Albion have lined up a young Latvian international as part of the process of closing the gap in quality between the development squad and first team.


  Vitalijs Maksimenko, a Latvian under 21 centre half, is poised to join the development group from Skonto Riga after training with the Seagulls.


  Boss Gus Poyet told The Argus: "From what I have seen he is a very good player who can improve with us but he needs to get used to the strength and power of English football."


  Poyet is concerned Albion do not have enough development players capable of stepping up into the first team following the departures of prospects such as Grant Hall to Spurs and Steve Cook to Bournemouth.