Pascal Gross will make the the gym “his second home” as he tunes up for the Premier League.

But a close friend and former team-mate says Albion fans should have no fears about their new signing’s ability to last the pace.

Gross is preparing to join the Seagulls on a four-year deal after leaving Bundesliga outfit Ingolstadt.

Former team-mate Ralph Gunesch works as co-commentator on German coverage of the Premier League and Championship and has helped offer some inside info ahead of the move.

He has sought first-hand advice from compatriots including Albion defender Uwe Huenemeier, Arsenal star Per Mertesacker and Huddersfield duo Collin Kwaner and Elias Kachunga, who take part in today’s play-off final against Reading.

Gunesch said: “I would not say physical strength is a particular forte of Pascal’s. The players I have spoken to say you can tell the difference from the Bundesliga.

“I’m really interested to see how he gets on – and I’m quite sure the gym will be his second home.”

If brute force is not a trademark of the 25-year-old playmaker, then staying power certainly is.

Gunesch added: “One of his great strengths is his endurance.

“After 70 minutes, our job was to give Pascal the ball because we knew he would make something unexpected happen.

“When you look at his stats and who had run most distance in a game, he was always top – or at least in the top three.”