Albion are closely monitoring events involving their striker who was jailed in Ecuador.

Billy Arce, who plays on loan for Barcelona SC, was sentenced to 30 days for drink driving after being stopped in his white Ford Explorer in the early hours in Guayaquil.

He will spend 20 days in prison and complete his sentence by doing 50 hours of community service.

Neither Albion nor Barcelona are making any comment at present but the Seagulls are in contact with the Ecuadorian top-flight outfit.

Arce, 21, can play up front or out wide and is one of the brightest young talents in Ecuador.

He is one of a handful of overseas prospects Albion have signed in recent seasons.

They initially loaned him to Extremadura in the Spanish second division but he struggled for game time in the league.

Top Ecuadorian outfit Emelec took him home, still on loan, but he made just ten appearances before falling out of favour.

As he joined Barcelona, Arce said: “I want to start again from zero and make the most of this opportunity.”

Arce scored twice in four Copa Libertadores appearances for Emelec and is highly-rated.

He signed a four-year contract with Albion in August last year.