Albion are giving trials to young Newcastle right winger Martin Brittain and four Frenchmen, including former Crawley defender Leonard Mendy.

The quintet trained with the Seagulls yesterday and are all expected to feature in Saturday's opening pre-season friendly at Worthing (3pm).

Brittain's opportunities at St James' Park have been limited since joining Newcastle as a trainee in March 2004.

The 21-year-old made six first team appearances for the North-East giants last season in the intertoto, League and FA Cups.

Manager Mark McGhee is taking a look at Brittain as a potential replacement for French winger Seb Carole, who is on his way to Leeds on a free transfer.

The same agent responsible for introducing Carole and Alex Frutos to the Seagulls has brought the four French trialists across the English Channel.

Mendy, a centre half, was at Le Havre before signing for Crawley.

Striker Stephane Biakolo is also from Le Havre, Albion's hosts for a friendly later this month.

Zoumana Bagayoko is a leftback from Paris St Germain and Jaques Williams a central midfielder.

Fans can pay on the gate at Worthing but tickets are also available in advance from the ticket office by phone, post or in person. Seats are £11 for adults, £6 for under 16s and senior citizens. Terrace tickets cost £10 and £5.