Brighton and Hove Albion forward Deniz Undav has revealed he rejected the advances of other sides during the January transfer window because he wanted to fight for a first-team place at the Amex Stadium, speaking to his side's media team.

The 26-year-old hasn't exactly been one of the first names on the teamsheet on the south coast since his summer switch from Belgian side Union SG, making just nine league appearances and appearing 14 times in all competitions this term.

Scoring twice in the process, with one of those goals coming against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup last month, he hasn't been able to make the impact he would have wanted to under Graham Potter and current boss Roberto De Zerbi.

With this, he could have been loaned out last month to gain more playing time, with Evan Ferguson showing that he can step up and be an asset under De Zerbi too despite the 18-year-old's tender age.

Football League World understands Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Norwich City, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion were all weighing up a loan move - but he resisted this interest.

Undav was rewarded for his patience on Saturday, making a start against Brighton and Hove Albion and managing to secure 75 minutes under his belt before being replaced.

Speaking about his decision to stay put, he said (via Sussex Live): "Yes, there were other options but I wanted to finish the season with the team.

"When I start something I want to finish it. In the end, I made my decision and told the gaffer [Roberto De Zerbi] and the club that I wanted to stay with Brighton and fight for my spot."

The Verdict:

You can understand why the player may have wanted to remain where he was because he was a regular part of Brighton's matchday squad despite his lack of appearances and still has a good chance of securing a decent amount of game time between now and the end of the season.

Although a loan switch away from the Amex Stadium may have given him a chance to shine, he wasn't guaranteed starts at Millwall, Norwich, the Black Cats and the Baggies considering their existing options.

There was probably an important role for him at Ewood Park following George Hirst's departure - but Undav may benefit more from trying to impress under De Zerbi than Jon Dahl Tomasson ahead of next season.

If he wants to be included in the Seagulls' plans next season, De Zerbi is the man he will need to impress and the striker may have the best chance of doing that whilst directly under the Italian's stewardship.

At 26, it's not as if he's a teenager and can wait for several years before making a first-team breakthrough. It may be now or never for Undav, so these next few months could be crucial for his career.