Brighton are flying high in the league and they can go back to the top of the league with a win in their game in hand.

They lost this weekend against a spirited Preston North End and this was Chris Hughton's first taste of defeat since September.

The Seagulls have really bounced back from the disappointment of losing out on promotion by goal difference last season and then falling to a defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off semi-finals.

Brighton now look stronger and more equipped for promotion this season and it is hard to look beyond Newcastle and Brighton for the top two spots.

One of the main reasons for their success is Glenn Murray.

The prolific striker has 15 league goals so far this season - second only to Newcastle's Dwight Gayle.

Murray is currently on a season-long loan from Bournemouth but Brighton need to use the January window to turn that deal into a permanent arrangement.

The 33-year-old is the star man up front for Brighton but if they don't snap him up sooner rather than later then Bournemouth might take him back and use him.

They currently have Callum Wilson and Benik Afobe but they might like to bring Murray back as a third choice striker and a different option up top.

Murray holds the key to Brighton's promotion chances and this is why the permanent deal needs to be prioritised in this January window.

Brighton fans - do you agree with this? How important is Murray to your chances? Let us know in the comments below...