Graham Potter has explained the huge role Pascal Gross can continue to play for Albion next season.

Potter revealed both the German midfielder and Danny Welbeck are close to signing new deals at the Amex.

Both players are currently on contracts which expire this summer.

Head coach Potter said: “Pascal and Danny are really close to agreeing everything for next year, it’s just the formalities.”

Gross has produced some of the best football of his five Premier League seasons in recent weeks and, like Welbeck, is also seen as a great influence around the club.

Potter said: “He has been here a long time.

“I can only speak about my conversations with him and he has loved his time here.

“He feels he is in a really good place in terms of how he is playing and his contribution to the team.

“You only have to look at the games he has played since I’ve been here.

“He is that type who won’t let you down, does his best every day, good in terms of the culture.

“We have got young players and you need people around who can show them the way and act in a good way.

“He does that really well and he is going to be an important player for us.”

Welbeck was widely expected to renew but Gross was reported to have attracted interest in Germany.

Potter said: “Of course, Germany is his home so you have to respect that.

“But I think it has always been the case that he has wanted to stay with us and carry on the journey.”