Danny Welbeck is in no rush to think about his Albion future.

But don’t be surprised if he contacts one of the managerial legends of the game when a big decision has to be made.

Welbeck officially signed for one season when he put pen to paper in October.

In practice, it is a 33-game contract considering the Seagulls had played five times before he joined up with them to train for the first time.

His performances and fitness since then have already answered a few questions.

Now, as he aims for a first home goal when Southampton visit, the question will be whether this is a stop-gap relationship which lasts only until next summer.

Or could it be something longer-lasting?

Welbeck is happy where he is but said: “I am just focusing on each game as they come.

“I’m not looking ahead and thinking ‘Got to do this, got to do that’.

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“Every single week is a vital week so I’m looking forward to taking a step at a time and being ready for the game ahead. “
Welbeck has enjoyed five wins and three draws in nine career appearances against Saints in the league.

His two goals in those fixtures both came in 2017-18 when he helped Arsenal to a 3-2 win.

But the man with whom he first set out as a pro, Sir Alex Ferguson, is the former boss with whom he remains in contact.

He said: “You’re a young man growing up and coming through the academy at Manchester United and there is always a mentality that is put in place.

“It’s one where they want you to work hard but to be as good a person as possible as well.

“I think the mentality and working hard and humility all comes from how you have been brought up.

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“My parents also played a massive part in that and my family and friends.

“I still keep in touch with Sir Alex Ferguson and there are not many better people to go to for advice and to talk to.

“It has been a few years since I last played under him.

“As time has gone on, we still keep in touch and that’s a nice thing.”

Welbeck and Adam Lallana are being seen as key figures in the Albion changing room, given their high levels of experience.

This is what Graham Potter expects from them.

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The Albion head coach said: “I know that they like each other, I know they value each other’s company, value each other’s contribution in the changing room, for the team and off the pitch.

“They speak well of each other. They are both good guys, they are both, from our perspective, great to have around.

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“They bring a quality on and off the pitch, a personality. They bring something for us.

“We’ve got a lot of young players here and, as much as it’s the coaches’ job to help the young players, it helps as well to have some older players as well so they can give some other advice as well.”