Brighton have failed in a bid to sign Burnley striker Gifton Noel-Williams ahead of Thursday's 5pm deadline for loan deals.

Albion boss Mark McGhee, who is desperate for a striker to keep Albion afloat in the Championship, claims to have been alerted to Noel-Williams' availability by the player's agent.

However, McGhee has been forced to look elsewhere as he is not prepared to take over the former Stoke and Watford striker's Turf Moor contract, which runs until the summer of 2007.

The Brighton boss, whose relegation-haunted side are seven points form safety with just seven Championship games remaining, explained: "My big concern is that people think we are sitting around while other people are signing (players).

"We've explored the possibility of signing Noel-Williams, as we have done with so many others, and there are reasons why we can't.

"He has a year on his contract left and Burnley are insisting we take over his contract.

"The fact is the club cannot afford to do that, it's as simple as that.

"People can then argue that we should be gambling, but I don't write the cheques and at the end of the day the chairman is protecting the club."

McGhee, who was reportedly in competition with Millwall for Noel-Williams' signature, added: "I would like this player but we can't have him.

"I know people are sick of hearing it and one of my big worries is that people start to hold it against me - but if the chairman says there is no money for the player, then there is no money."