Jake Forster-Caskey would love to play in Albion's first team with Vicente.

But the Seagulls' midfield prospect could go out on loan first after signing a new three-year deal.

Although Forster-Caskey, 18, made a handful of first team appearances next season none of them were alongside Vicente, the Spanish star who is poised to commit his future to the club.

That would be great news for Forster-Caskey as well as Albion.

He said: "Vicente plays in a very similar position to me, just in front of the holding midfielder on the left, and also he is left-footed. He's brilliant for me to look up to, because he's done so much in the game, played international football and in the Champions League.

"To have someone like that really is fantastic. The club has moved forward so much. A few years ago you'd never have thought we'd have a player like him in the side but it's reality now."

Forster-Caskey could be loaned out to gain more first team experience.

He added: "That has been spoken about. Nothing is set in stone but obviously Brighton have got a big squad and we are pushing on to the top of the Championship and looking, I feel, for a top six place this year.

"So it might be a good idea to maybe at the start of the season look for a loan move. I'll see how pre-season goes and take it from there."