But the expectation is currently that they are unlikely to pull off a deal to sign Charlie Cresswell.
The 23-year old is reported to have been subject of a bid of about £20 million from the Seagulls.
While there is no confirmation, he is known to be a player Albion are eyeing.
Toulouse have made it clear they do not plan to sell Cresswell in this window.
There are also suggestions they value him more highly than the reported bids by Albion and Wolfsburg.
Albion are not currently in need of a defender but their recruitment is also often based on future-proofing.
Fans will also be aware that, especially late in a window, reports of interest in a player can appear as a tactic to enliven the market.
Albion see Diego Coppola, 22, as a long-term investment and, after a frustrating first half of the season, he is poised to go on loan for more game time.
They have Jan Paul van Hecke under contract until the end of next season while Lewis Dunk is 34 but has been in finer form thi season.
Cresswell previously played for Millwall and Leeds and could be eyeing a return to the English leagues and a crack at the Prem after catching the eye in the French top flight.
He is a strong defender, good in the air, but also comfortable playing out from the back and capable of building attacks.