Albion are hot on the trail of Dan Burn - but Wigan boss Paul Cook is desperate to hang onto his defensive giant.

Burn, previously on the Seagulls' target list, has emerged as the likeliest answer to their quest to sign a fourth centre-half.

The Argus understands the 6ft 7ins Geordie is keen on the move, although Cook is just as keen not to lose his back four talisman last season.

Burn played 53 games, scoring six goals, as Wigan won promotion from League One and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The 26-year-old boyhood Newcastle United fan has Premier League experience with Fulham, who loaned him out to Yeovil and Birmingham.

Burn was not involved in Wigan's opening Championship victory against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

A fee of around £3 million makes him a more viable proposition for the No.4 centre-half slot than Reading's Liam Moore or Sheffield United's Jack O'Connell.

Meanwhile, Albion anticipate interest in Northern Ireland midfielder Oliver Norwood and Israeli target man Tomer Hemed (below) cranking up before the transfer window for Premier League clubs and for permanent signings by Championship clubs shuts at 5pm on Thursday.

The Argus: Richie Towell, wanted back by Rotherham, is another likely departure, while highly-rated young central defender Ben White could be loaned out again after a spell with Newport last season.

Albion are involved tomorrow in the official launch of the Premier League season in Manchester together with representatives of champions City, West Ham and promoted Wolves.