Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough admits he is at the hands of Brighton over his pursuit of Chris O'Grady.
The 28-year-old recently returned to the Championship club after a loan spell with the Blades, where he scored one goal in four games.
Clough is keen to bring O'Grady back to South Yorkshire but any move hinges on new Seagulls boss Chris Hughton signing a striker of his own.
And the Blades chief knows he can do nothing but play the waiting game.
"I've not spoken to Chris, I know that (chief executive) Mel Branning has spoken with his counterpart down there," Clough said.
"Things are progressing but I think we are in the same situation as we were about six weeks ago where they want to get a striker in before they do anything, so we have got to be a bit patient.
"Him getting on and scoring in the cup wasn't ideal from our point of view, I'm delighted for Chris.
"We are still hoping that it is going to happen with Chris.
"He knows we want him and what we feel about him.
"We have been chasing him for six months but he is Brighton's player at the moment so unless they say otherwise, we have to live with that."
The Blades have also been linked with a move for former loanee John Brayford, who enjoyed a successful spell at Bramall Lane last season.
Brayford is currently with Cardiff and has made 25 appearances this season.
"Everyone knows what we think of him, if Cardiff decide they want to move him on they know where we are," Clough added. "I don't think that's any secret that we are a fan of him."
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The 28-year-old recently returned to the Championship club after a loan spell with the Blades, where he scored one goal in four games.
Clough is keen to bring O'Grady back to South Yorkshire but any move hinges on new Seagulls boss Chris Hughton signing a striker of his own.
And the Blades chief knows he can do nothing but play the waiting game.
"I've not spoken to Chris, I know that (chief executive) Mel Branning has spoken with his counterpart down there," Clough said.
"Things are progressing but I think we are in the same situation as we were about six weeks ago where they want to get a striker in before they do anything, so we have got to be a bit patient.
"Him getting on and scoring in the cup wasn't ideal from our point of view, I'm delighted for Chris.
"We are still hoping that it is going to happen with Chris.
"He knows we want him and what we feel about him.
"We have been chasing him for six months but he is Brighton's player at the moment so unless they say otherwise, we have to live with that."
The Blades have also been linked with a move for former loanee John Brayford, who enjoyed a successful spell at Bramall Lane last season.
Brayford is currently with Cardiff and has made 25 appearances this season.
"Everyone knows what we think of him, if Cardiff decide they want to move him on they know where we are," Clough added. "I don't think that's any secret that we are a fan of him."
More...