Blackburn Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has denied there has been an approach from Brighton & Hove Albion for striker Leon Best, reports The Argus. 

Brighton have been linked with Best, who is out-of-favour at Ewood Park, as Seagulls boss Chris Hughton had worked with the striker whilst he was in charge of Newcastle United.

Hughton paid Coventry City £1.5 million to bring Best to St James' Park in 2010.

He failed to scored in 13 games for the Magpies as they won the Championship that year and didn't feature under Hughton in the Premier League.

The Republic of Ireland international recently had a loan spell at Derby County cut short as he failed to find the net in 20 appearances for the Rams in all competitions.

Blackburn boss Bowyer spoke about the rumour to The Argus: "I've heard speculation about clubs wanting to take him on loan but there's been nothing concrete in that. He's back in training with us and we'll have to wait and see if that changes."

Best joined Rovers in a £3 million deal from Newcastle in July 2012 but suffered a cruciate ligament injury less than a month after signing for the Lancashire club.

He has only featured 16 times for the Ewood Park side in all competitions, scoring two goals but rumours surfaced of a fall out between Best and Bowyer after a defeat to Doncaster Rovers in August 2013, which were confirmed as the striker criticised the manager on social media. 

Best has 18 months left on his contract at Blackburn and the club's chances of getting him off the wage bill are hindered by his substantial salary.

Brighton are 19th in the Championship and are three points away from the relegation places.  They welcome Brentford to the AMEX Stadium on Saturday.