A former Serie A and Champions League head coach is doing his homework on the Albion squad.

Roberto De Zerbi has been catching up on the Seagulls' matches as he hopes to land the job at the Amex.

He is among the many names linked with the post left vacant by Graham Potter’s “whirlwind” move to Chelsea.

The 43-year-old Italian took minnows Sassuolo to two eighth-place finishes in the top flight and was later in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk, with whom he competed in Europe.

Michele Criscitiello, chief executive of SportItalia and a long-time friend De Zerbi, said there had been initial communication between Albion and the coach and expects further contact early this week.

Criscitello told The Argus: “He is watching all of Brighton’s matches. If the club confirmed concrete interest, he would accept to come.”

He said De Zerbi liked the Albion players' attitude and mentality.