Paul Ifill will finally appear in an Albion shirt tonight after joining his home city club on trial.
The winger features in the friendly at AFC Wimbledon with another new trialist, former MK Dons midfielder Alan Navarro.
Brighton-born Ifill has been linked with a move to the Seagulls several times before, including last summer when he was placed on the transfer list by Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old, released by Palace in May, has been training with Millwall where he spent seven years before playing in the Premier League with Sheffield United.
He trained with Albion for the first time yesterday, together with 28-year-old Liverpudlian Navarro, who followed Paul Ince from Macclesfield to MK Dons before he was released in May.
Manager Russell Slade said: “We need to strengthen across midfield and Ifill fits that bill. He can play wide right, wide left or up front if necessary.
“Navarro is a sitting midfielder who played a big part in MK Dons’ success over the last two seasons. They will both be involved tonight and are definitely worth looking at.”
There are rumours linking Albion with a season long loan with Newcastle and former England midfield player Nicky Butt.
Newcastle would be paying 80% of Butt's estimated £70,000 a week salary if the deal goes through.
A local businessman is thought to be willing to pay the remainder of the cost on a personal sponsorship deal.
Meanwhile, season ticket sales are up on the same period last year, with over 4,000 already sold.
Martin Perry, Albion’s chief executive, said: “There is a real feelgood factor at the club at the moment.”
The winger features in the friendly at AFC Wimbledon with another new trialist, former MK Dons midfielder Alan Navarro.
Brighton-born Ifill has been linked with a move to the Seagulls several times before, including last summer when he was placed on the transfer list by Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old, released by Palace in May, has been training with Millwall where he spent seven years before playing in the Premier League with Sheffield United.
He trained with Albion for the first time yesterday, together with 28-year-old Liverpudlian Navarro, who followed Paul Ince from Macclesfield to MK Dons before he was released in May.
Manager Russell Slade said: “We need to strengthen across midfield and Ifill fits that bill. He can play wide right, wide left or up front if necessary.
“Navarro is a sitting midfielder who played a big part in MK Dons’ success over the last two seasons. They will both be involved tonight and are definitely worth looking at.”
There are rumours linking Albion with a season long loan with Newcastle and former England midfield player Nicky Butt.
Newcastle would be paying 80% of Butt's estimated £70,000 a week salary if the deal goes through.
A local businessman is thought to be willing to pay the remainder of the cost on a personal sponsorship deal.
Meanwhile, season ticket sales are up on the same period last year, with over 4,000 already sold.
Martin Perry, Albion’s chief executive, said: “There is a real feelgood factor at the club at the moment.”
