ANDREW Whing could be staying with Albion after Leeds won the race for his potential replacement.

Jason Crowe is moving to Elland Road from relegated Northampton, instead of joining the Seagulls.

Whing, who was holding out himself for a switch to Leeds, may now decide to accept Albion’s offer of a new two-year contract.

The right-back and reigning player of the season has stalled over re-signing, because of Leeds’ interest in him.

Albion boss Russell Slade covered his options by holding talks with Crowe, who played under him at Grimsby.

The 30-year-old was also wanted by Norwich, Charlton and Huddersfield but will officially sign for Leeds on July 1 as replacement for the long-serving Frazer Richardson, paving the way for a re-think by Whing.

He will have to make his mind up soon. Slade, back from a holiday in Portugal early next week, is considering other right-backs, including one from the Championship.

The transfer market for League One clubs has been stifled so far by the plans of Leeds in particular and ambitious Huddersfield, who have had a bid amounting to nearly £500,000 accepted by Coventry for Albion target Robbie Simpson.

Slade remains confident of landing several players on his shopping list.

They include the return of Gary Dicker from Stockport, plus loan deals for a winger from a Premier League club and Championship midfielder. Slade also his eye on another Championship midfielder and wide man, a Scottish goalkeeper and a League One centre half and winger.

Meanwhile, Doug Loft is poised to become the second Albion midfielder to be reunited with ex-boss Micky Adams at Port Vale following Tommy Fraser’s move to the Potteries club earlier this week.

Don't forget Albion fixtures for 2009-10 go online at theargus.co.uk from 10am today.