Albion have joined the race for Crawley defender Jake Wright.

The Seagulls will take a look at the highly-rated Wright in tonight’s friendly against Torquay United at Plainmoor.

Several League clubs are keen on the former Halifax and Bradford City prospect, headed by League One rivals Charlton.

Their manager Phil Parkinson was at the Broadfield Stadium on Friday night to watch Wright in Crawley’s 1-0 win against the Seagulls and they are believed to have already had a six-figure bid rejected. Colchester are also interested.

The 23-year-old impressed at centre half and he can also play at left-back, which has become Albion’s problem position.

Boss Russell Slade said: “We know there is a lot of interest in him. We’ve had permission from Steve Evans (Crawley manager) and he will play some part.”

Wright joins trialists Danny Spiller, Alan Navarro, Andreas Cronis and Jamie Smith for the penultimate pre-season fixture at Plainmoor but striker Carl Rook is back at Tonbridge Angels after training with the Seagulls.

Nicky Forster, who made his comeback from knee surgery in the second half at Crawley, will get another run-out at the ground where he scored both goals on Albion’s last visit in the FA Cup two seasons ago.

A knock continues to rule out Kevin McLeod and Gary Hart’s return target has been revised after he had a toe cyst removed last week.

Hart will not be ready for Saturday’s final friendly at Scunthorpe and is now working towards being available for the big kick-off at home to Walsall on August 8.

Torquay, back in the Football League after a two-year absence, have swine ‘flu victim Lee Mansell available again. They also include former Crawley loan strikers Mustapha Carayol and Elliot Benyon.