Albion have been told to expect some big offers for Anthony Knockaert – if he shines in the Premier League second time around.

Steve Sidwell believes clubs will be waving sizeable sums in front of the Seagulls once they are convinced the French ace is elite class.

Speculation has already kicked off as Everton are linked with Knockaert but The Argus understands Albion have received no enquiries or offers for the winger.

Knockaert is preparing for a second crack at the top flight having made just three starts for Leicester after their promotion in 2013-14.

Sidwell reckons clubs will be watching closely to see how he adapts next term. And they will quickly make him hot property if he cracks it.

The experienced midfielder said: “Anthony has proved he is the best player in the Championship with the awards that he’s got. Now it is time to test himself against the best players in the world.

“If you do that in the Premier League, your profile goes sky high.

“He’ll obviously be under scrutiny and the club will also be under scrutiny with the big offers that will come in for him.

“But first of all he’s got to perform on the pitch.”

Albion proved their determination to hold on to Knockaert and others last summer and were rewarded with promotion.

They would take the same stance this time if necessary.

The Everton link centres on their director of football Steve Walsh, the talent spotter who first brought Knockaert to England with Leicester.

Sidwell believes a more mature Knockaert is well placed to take his second Premier opportunity after things fell flat with the Foxes.

He added: “Last time he didn’t get a proper chance.

“He maybe took it for granted he was going to be there for the rest of his career.

“He was obviously young at the time but he had to come down the ladder to go back up.

“He has proved he can do it at the Championship.”