Albion have been told they are getting a Premier League player of the future as they swoop to replace Elliott Bennett.

Watford winger or striker Will Buckley is expected to sign for the Seagulls today in what is likely to be a club record deal.

Meanwhile Bennett moves into the top flight with Norwich City after two impressive seasons in League One.

Buckley turns 23 in the first week of the new season and has been playing in the Championship since moving south from Rochdale in January, 2010.

Keith Hill, the recently-appointed Barnsley boss who brought Buckley through at Rochdale, told The Argus: “Will is a great player.

“He’s a great dribbler, which is a skill which is going out of the game. He’s quick, he has got everything.

“I think he is going to be a Premier League player. He needs to grow into his body. He needs to get that man’s strength. When he matures and fills out he will be even better."

Bennett has ever played in the Premier League, despite coming through the junior ranks at wolves, but former team mate Kazenga LuaLua says he has what it takes to survive in the top flight.

LuaLua, who played his part in Albion’s title triumph while on loan from Newcastle, said: "There is a massive difference between League One and what is the best league in the world.

"It’s quicker and there is a big physical difference. You have to be strong, you can’t afford to be weak at all.

"There will be massive pressure, especially for Benno if people are looking at him coming from a lower league and wondering whether he will be good enough.

"It won’t be easy for him. He will have to be physically stronger and he will be playing against unbelievable players but I think he will be all right.

"Benno’s a great player. He has got everything."

LuaLua has distanced himself from a possible return to Albion in the new campaign.

The winger, who came on as substitute in Newcastle’s final two games of last season, said: "I have had a meeting with (manager) Alan Pardew at Newcastle and he wants me to stay."