ALBION have been inundated by League One clubs interested in Christian Walton.

Several teams in the third tier want to borrow the England under-20s keeper.

The Seagulls are working their way through the enquiries to decide on the best option.

The earliest loan departure date for the highly-rated Walton will be next week, when Albion return from their training camp in the French Alps and tomorrow’s friendly in Geneva against Swiss side FC Meyrin (2pm).

The Argus revealed at the end of last season boss Chris Hughton’s intention to sign a keeper to compete with David Stockdale and loan Walton out following the 19-year-old’s fourth senior start in the closing game at Middlesbrough.

The completion on Monday of the capture of Finland international Niki Maenpaa has cleared the way for Walton to gain further first team experience in League One.

Albion will carefully select the temporary employers for the giant young Cornishman based on two key criteria, his chances of playing regularly and a style of play synonymous with their own philosophy.

Walton, who played for England under-20s in the Toulon tournament in France earlier in the summer, is happy with Albion’s plans for him and the progress he has been made since signing from Plymouth Argyle.

He said: “My main aim is to get out and get some games, then hopefully come back and push for the No.1 spot at Brighton.

“It was good to make my debut back at the end of the October and then get a few games.

“It was a big move I had to make when I was 17. I’d always been a bit of a home boy. The club were brilliant to me when I made the move and I haven’t looked back. It’s been a good two years.”