BRIGHTON are understood to have renewed their interest in Burnley defender Stephen Ward.

The Republic of Ireland left back was expected to make a permanent move to the Seagulls last summer following a successful loan spell from Wolves the previous season.

But in a dramatic late u-turn Ward instead joined the Clarets on a three-year deal.

He replaced Ben Mee in the line-up for a period, but after being sidelined for three months with a broken foot sustained against Newcastle United in December, struggled to get his place back in the side.

In total, he made just 15 appearances for Burnley in their Premier League season and is now believed to be back on Brighton's list of transfer targets.