Clock is ticking on Albion transfer chase ahead of season opener

Sami Hyypiä and his backroom staff have just 22 days to secure new signings, if they are to play in the Albion's opening league fixture.

The new manager makes his competitive bow against Sheffield Wednesday at The Amex on Saturday, August 9, and sections of the Seagulls support are getting twitchy at the prospect of starting the new season without further reinforcements.

So far this summer, the club has added only Aaron Hughes and Toko Nzuzi - despite releasing a string of players and losing player of the year Matthew Upson to recently-promoted Leicester City.

It isn't yet, however, time to panic, regardless of what some supporters may think '“ and despite the news that emerged yesterday (Thursday) that Leo Ulloa looks set to leave for Leicester City.

While Hyypiä clearly needs to add to his existing squad, some of the Seagulls best business last term was done late on. Stephen Ward, the Wolves left back who ended the season as runner-up in Brighton's player of the year poll, did not arrive on loan until the third week of August.

Keith Andrews, another season-long loan signing, headed south from parent club Bolton just a few days earlier than his international colleague Ward, while Kemy Agustien joined a on a free transfer in the final days of July.