Albion are interested in Swansea's Graham Potter after owner-chairman Tony Bloom axed boss Chris Hughton.

The Argus understands Potter is among two or three candidates the Seagulls have in mind to replace Hughton at the Amex.

They are keen to make a swift appointment so the new manager has as much time as possible to agree on and identify new targets in the summer transfer window.

Albion have been tracking Potter's progress. The 43-year-old has reinvigorated cash-strapped Swansea since joining them last summer after steering Swedish side Ostersunds to three promotions and the Europa League.

Albion are impressed by the impact Potter has made at the Liberty Stadium, guiding them to tenth in the Championship and quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a passing style of football.

They are also attracted by his background - he has two degrees - and the progress he has made as a coach.

Bloom alone took the decision to dispense with Hughton late last night, hours after Albion ended their second season under him in the Premier League just above the relegation zone in 17th with a 4-1 home defeat by champions Manchester City.

Bloom was alarmed by the level of performances as much as results during a run of three wins out of 23, which left Albion within two points and a place of the drop.

He was also mindful of the danger, if the downturn continued into the start of next season, of needing to make a change having invested in Hughton for another transfer window, at a time when it would be harder to find a suitable replacement.

Hughton, hugely popular in and around the club, was at the training complex in Lancing on Monday morning to complete the formalities of his departure, collecting personal belongings and saying goodbye to staff.