ROB HUNT is travelling with Albion to Austria as they try to nail down their full-back plans for the Premier League.
The young defender is part of the squad flying out to the Alpine resort of Leogang today for a week-long training camp, culminating in the Seagulls’ opening pre-season friendly against German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on Friday evening.
He joins the experienced trio of skipper Bruno, Gaetan Bong and Liam Rosenior as the current full-back options for manager Chris Hughton.
Albion remain keen to sign 30-year-old Austrian international left-back Markus Suttner from FC Ingolstadt, the German club they went to for first summer signing Pascal Gross.
They also still want to seal a loan deal for versatile young Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, who can play at right-back or in the middle.
In the meantime, Hunt, 22 yesterday, has a chance to shine during pre-season.
He gained valuable experience with ten appearances in League One on loan to Oldham in the last three months of last season, following his full senior debut in January in the FA Cup against Milton Keynes Dons.
Albion decided against a permanent move for Seb Pocognoli, who played 20 games at left-back as part of the team promoted from the Championship last season on loan from West Brom. The Belgian has subsequently rejoined Standard Liege.
Elvis Manu is not on the trip to Austria. Albion accept they will have to cut their losses on the errant Dutch striker, who has entered the final year of his contract and has never started a league game for them since a £1.5 million move from Feyenoord two summers ago.
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