Chris Hughton insists that looking at Fabrice Pancrate is not "bringing in players because they are cheap" ... even though we all know Mike Ashley has given him NOWT!

Hughton: “It’s not a question of us having to go down this avenue because of a lack of funds. When chances come your way with a player who has played at a good level for a number of years you will have a look at him.

“There is certainly a willingness on behalf of the club that if we want to strengthen in certain areas then yes I will get that support from above.

“It’s not always about players that can go straight into the team. It’s also about having a well-equipped squad to handle the rigours of the next few months.

“We still have a little bit of time but I’m not desperate to bring anyone in.

“As we said with what we saw last night, if an opportunity that we like comes up then we will assess it but I’m not desperate to bring anyone in.”