ALBION are closing in on talks with Graham Potter about becoming their new manager.

Swansea's American owners, Jason Levien and Steven Kaplan, have rejected the Seagulls' initial approach.

The dialogue is, however, ongoing The Argus understands and Potter is expected to end up having discussions with a view to being named as Chris Hughton's successor at the Amex.

Chairman Tony Bloom and technical director Dan Ashworth have identified Potter as the man to move Albion on from Hughton's successful four-and-a-half year reign, which ended with his unexpected sacking on Monday morning.

Hughton's assistant Paul Trollope and coach Paul Nevin went too. Providing terms are agreed with Potter and with Swansea over the two years remaining on his contract, he will bring with him his backroom staff from the Liberty Stadium.

His No.2, former Hamilton boss Billy Reid, recruitment chief and ex-Aberdeen midfielder Kyle Macaulay and coach Bjorn Hamberg all also worked with 43-year-old Potter at Ostersund, the Swedish minnows he took from the fourth tier to the top flight and Europa League in seven years before steering cash-constrained Swansea to tenth in the Championship following relegation.

Hughton, a board member of the League Managers' Association, attended an LMA committee meeting yesterday afternoon and the organisation's annual awards dinner last night.

He has maintained a dignified silence about Bloom's decision to sack him and the manner of his departure.

The Premier League transfer window opens tomorrow and closes at 5pm on August 8, two days before the start of the new season.

At least three or four positions need strengthening to improve the quality in the Albion squad that escaped relegation by a place and two points, including a right-back after the retirement of veteran captain Bruno.

The Premier League transfer dates also apply to Championship clubs this summer but the window is open for League One and Two teams until 5pm on September 2.