Tomer Hemed back in favour and ready to lead line for Brighton against West Brom

Hemed was linked with Reading, Derby and Leeds while Seagulls manager Chris Hughton tried desperately to bring in another striker.

But Tottenham's Vincent Janssen turned down a deadline-day switch to the south coast, and a move for Israel international Hemed failed to materialise.

Now, with Izzy Brown and Sam Baldock injured and Glenn Murray battling to overcome an ankle problem, Hemed looks set to spearhead Albion's attack against West Brom as they look for their win - and first goal - of the Premier League campaign.

"He will have the same response as he always has," Seagulls boss Hughton said.

"Tomer is a very genuine individual. He really enjoys being here and really enjoys being a Premier League player. He has always worked hard for this club and he will continue to do so.

"The one thing about speculation is that the players all hear it. S ometimes the players know more than we do!

"There aren't too many secrets and ultimately everybody just has to get on with it."

Hughton would not be drawn on whether he felt Janssen had made a mistake by opting not to join the Seagulls.

The Dutch striker was subsequently left out of Tottenham's Champions League squad and farmed out to Fenerbahce on loan.

"I don't know what happened," Hughton added. "As most people would know, we tried to bring in strikers towards the end of the window.

"What is more important is that it wasn't to be, and it now gives the strikers we have got a really good opportunity to stake a claim to play.

"Anything regarding him is not for me to discuss. I t is probably for the individual and Tottenham.

"It is a hard summer. You are looking at a lot of individuals.

"We will continue to assess where we are and what we need to bring in in January. A nything we feel we need to do, we will work hard to do."