Albion are expected to make a loan swoop for Aston Villa full-back Joe Bennett.

The 24-year-old was believed to be undergoing a medical with the Seagulls this afternoon.

Bennett has slipped down the pecking order at Villa Park following Ryan Bertrand's loan spell last season and this summer's arrival of Aly Cissokho, and appears ready to move on in the search for regular football.

His chances have been limited since his £2.75million arrival in the midlands from Middlesbrough, where he emerged from the Teesside club's renowned Academy two summers ago.