Albion have told Manchester City they will have to up their game considerably if they are to land Marc Cucurella.

But the door has not yet been closed on the Premier League champions as they bid to sign the Seagulls’ player of the year.

Albion quickly rejected a £30 million offer from City for Cucurella.

They do not know whether an improved bid will come in, although that would appear very possible.

Lines of communication remain open and the relationship between key figures at the two clubs is said to be good.

It is understood Albion laughed at what they felt was a ridiculous opening bid for Cucurella, who is one year into a five-year contract.

He was ever-present after joining from Getafe and has proved himself as high-calibre Premier League operator in three left-sided roles.

Albion will repeat that they have no desire or need to sell one of their key assets.

While they are not naming a price for Cucurella, the sale of Ben White to Arsenal last summer is widely being seen as some sort of guide.

White went for an initial £50 million but it is understood that figure did not include add-ons – and that Cucurella is regarded as harder to replace should the need arise.

That would suggest the often-quoted figure of £50 million would NOT necessarily be enough to take Cucurella to the Etihad.

Meanwhile it appears outlets in the North West are being briefed that City do not rate him any higher than £30 million, a theory which, it appears, is about to be tested.

Cucurella and his colleagues are preparing for the first friendly of the summer in front of fans as they visit Reading tomorrow (3pm).

It follows run outs behind closed doors against Union St-Gilloise and Estoril Praia.