Albion are mounting a European-wide hunt for another goalkeeper so that Christian Walton can go out on loan next season.

The Seagulls want England under-20s prospect Walton to gain more first team experience and are seeking a challenger to current first choice David Stockdale.

Walton made his fourth appearance of the season in Saturday’s closing 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough.

Boss Chris Hughton is coy about Albion’s interest in Finnish international Niki Mäenpää but has revealed his plans for Walton.

Hughton told The Argus: “On anything we do the best way to do it is behind the scenes. The recruitment department are working as hard as they can.

“It will be no surprise to anybody that we want to bring in a keeper, because we want Christian to go out on loan, but there will be numerous names we’ll think about, consider and see if we have an opportunity.”

Walton’s clean sheet at Middlesbrough came in his first game under Hughton after three appearances earlier in the season, when Stockdale was injured and Sami Hyypia was in charge.

Hughton said: “He’s a young, talented keeper and he is one we think has a bright future here. He has got to get a little bit more experience under his belt.

“This season has been a great experience on the bench week in, week out, but he needs to be playing.

“It’s difficult for young keepers. You have got to get that balance being around the first team, which has been great for his education, and being between the sticks in meaningful games.”