Albion will start Premier League week 3 as leaders – only a Tottenham win at Bournemouth can dislodge the Seagulls from the summit before Saturday’s 3pm kick offs.
Chelsea will play Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on Friday 25 August but even a home win won’t see the once-mighty west Londoners overhaul the Seagulls at that stage.
Arsenal and Manchester United could also overtake Albion before the Seagulls take on West Ham United at the Amex on Saturday at 5.30pm.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are reported to be circling after the Argentinian club Boca Juniors were reported to have rebuffed a £7 million offer for 19-year-old Valentin Barco.
The teenager plays as either a left-back or left-winger and has made 20 senior appearances for the Buenos Aires club.
