Albion boss Peter Taylor is about to make his first signing.

He is going back to one of his old clubs Southend to snap up teenage prospect Daniel Webb.

The 18-year-old striker, son of former Chelsea defender David Webb, will join the Seagulls on loan for the rest of the season.

Albion will then buy him for a pre-arranged fee, believed to be £25,000.

Webb junior joined Southend, his home town club, from Southampton for £10,000 last year when his dad was the manager at Roots Hall.

He made one of his first appearances for the Shrimpers in their 2-0 win against Albion at Withdean on New Year's Day.

He went on to score once in 15 games last season and has added three goals this season.

But Webb has fallen out of favour since the departure of his father in October and the appointment of Rob Newman.

Taylor watched the six-footer in a recent reserve match and regards him as an exciting prospect.

"I believe he has got a good chance," Taylor revealed. "He is a Teddy Sheringham type player.

"He is tall and strong, works off others quite well, uses the ball well and is decent in the air.

"I know him and his dad very well. I had him at the centre of excellence at Southend first of all and took him for individual training from the age of 14 or 15.

"I am not saying he is going to be mega important for us this season, but he is nice and young and is potentially going to be a very good centre forward."

Taylor expects Webb to train with Albion either today or tomorrow.

The signing comes too late for him to be involved in Saturday's FA Cup second round showdown against Rushden and Diamonds at Withdean.

But Taylor has moved quickly so that Webb does not become cup-tied by playing for Southend.