Inigo Calderon is convinced Albion have a good chance of bringing Vicente back to The Amex.

But the Basque right-back admits other clubs will have been alerted by what his compatriot did in the Championship towards the end of last season.

Calderon, now back in his home city of Vitoria, has been in regular contact with Vicente since the end of last season.

Contract business is not usually on the agenda when they chat on the phone.

But news that Vicente retains a close link with a key member of the Albion changing room will encourage fans hoping to see him return to The Amex.

Calderon believes Vicente would be happy to head back to Sussex.

Vicente and his partner are expecting a second child this month while Calderon became a father recently.

Albion’s vice-captain said: “We talk a lot but not so much about the situation with the team. We talk about other things, families and things like that.

“I don’t know exactly about his conversations with the club but I know they are talking and I am quite happy about that.

“I know he was happy with us and there is a big chance for us to keep him.

“But with the level he showed, other clubs will try and sign him - and maybe here in Spain as well. We will see.”

An internet rumour has sprung up in Valencia linking Vicente with his first club Levante but that appears to be no more than guesswork at this stage.

Calderon is relishing the prospect of a second season in the Championship with the Seagulls after last term’s tenth-placed finish.

He added: “We have taken a first step in this division and I think we did really well.

“I suppose people will think it is automatic will be fighting all the time for a play-off spot but it’s not like that.

“It is going to be really complicated because teams are getting super-strong all the time.

“But it’s exciting because we did a good warm-up in this division last season.”

Calderon is ready for competition for his right-back berth.

He said: “They want two players or each position. That’s normal.

“There’s not too much problem. Of course if they bring in Cafu it might be different!”