Albion are trying to bring in two centre-halves on loan for next Saturday's opening League One fixture at Rotherham.

Manager Mark McGhee confirmed last night that one of them is QPR's Ian Evatt following a shocking 4-1 defeat at MK Dons in the Seagulls' closing pre-season friendly.

McGhee also revealed that Albion yesterday failed in an audacious attempt to sign experienced Sheffield Utd striker Geoff Horsfield.

Albion are in desperate need of cover at the back because of a crippling injury crisis. A scan on the knee Adam Hinshelwood hurt at Colchester earlier this week has revealed cartlidge damage and Guy Butters is out with back trouble.

Joel Lynch and Kerry Mayo, who escaped last nights carnage to be best man at his brother's wedding, have also missed most of pre-season through injury, although both could be back in contention for the trip to Millmoor.

McGhee said of his centre half search: "We've got one in the pipe line. It's up to the player to see whether he comes or not and we might bring in another one.

"We could go to Rotherham with Adam El-Abd at right back, Joel Lynch at left back and two central defenders that we have brought in."

El-Abd was partnered at centre back by youngster Tommy Elphick last night, with Colin Kazim-Richards and Jake Robinson starting up front as the relentless search for an experienced target man continues.

McGhee said: "We need that centre-forward, we made what turned out to be a ridiculous phone call to Sheffield United asking them about Geoff Horsfield.

"He is in talks with two other massive clubs which puts us way out of the running."

Albion have ended their interest in triallists Dan McBreen and William Moquet.

Former Newcastle winger Martin Brittain was substituted towards the end last night and did himself no favours in his attempt to earn a deal.

McGhee added: "Martin did all right at times. To really convince us he's the man he needs to do better than that."