Birmingham City boss Lee Clark has admitted that he wanted to keep on-loan Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard at the club.
The 21-year-old scored four goals on his debut for the Blues before returning to United in January with the intention of a Premier League loan.
It was announced on Thursday that he will now join Brighton & Hove Albion, and Clark understands the circumstances.
"I would love him back in a Birmingham City shirt but unfortunately lots of circumstances have meant that doesn't happen and we move on," Clark the Birmingham Mail.
"The reason he is going to Brighton, who are at the top of the Championship, is because they have seen how well he's done here. Initially when [United] took him back, they thought some Premier League clubs might come in for him on a loan basis.
"Now they see Brighton at the top end of the Championship pushing for the playoffs, that's where they see his progression."
Brighton are currently eighth in the Championship, with Birmingham 10 points behind in 16th.
Daniel Cross
