Albion are weighing up whether to make a permanent move for Greg Halford.

The towering utility player is a free agent after being released by Nottingham Forest but the Seagulls face competition if they want him back.

Other Championship clubs are also interested in Halford, The Argus understands.

No offer is on the table yet from Albion to the 30-year-old but he would welcome a return to the Amex following his successful loan spell this season.

The 6ft 4in Halford joined in November when Sami Hyypia was still manager.

Current boss Chris Hughton made Halford his first signing when he brought him back on loan from the City Ground for the rest of the season at the beginning of January.

His versatility was exploited in a variety of roles, including centre-half, right-back and midfield. Albion also made use of his long throw.

Halford, speaking to The Argus in March before his contract with Forest expired, said: “Whatever options I have in the summer, I can’t look at any one of them lightly but because I’ve enjoyed myself so much down here it will definitely be a good option to have.”

Halford made 20 appearances for Albion in the second half of the campaign as they eventually scraped clear of the relegation zone.

He chalked up the 400th start of a career which has also included stints with Portsmouth, Wolves, Sheffield United, Charlton, Sunderland, Reading and Colchester in the closing 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough earlier this month.