Birchall has scored twice for Trinidad and Tobago in 20 appearances

Brighton chairman Dick Knight has blocked midfielder Chris Birchall's proposed move to Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Trinidad and Tobago international was offered a two-year deal, but he needed to be a free agent to get the move to the states.

But Seagulls chairman Knight is thought to have told the 24-year-old that he will not be allowed to leave on a free.

Birchall signed from Coventry on a free transfer until the end of the season.

He signed for Coventry City in 2006 for £300,000 from Port Vale where he started his career, and joined Brighton in January on a free transfer.

He played in the crucial 2-1 win at Hereford on Tuesday night, and talked to the club about releasing him from his contract afterwards as they battle relegation.

Birchall was the first white player to represent Trinidad and Tobago and qualifies because his mother was born in Port-of-Spain.

He also played in the 3-0 defeat by the United States in Nashville on 2 April.

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