Brighton and Hove Albion have opened talks with Steve Coppell, their top managerial target to replace Peter Taylor.

Coppell revealed to us today that he has met with chairman Dick Knight to discuss the post vacated by Taylor at the end of April.

The former Brentford boss said: "I just had a brief meeting about ten days ago to establish my position.

"I wouldn't like to say if I am interested. The ball is very much in their court.

"The chairman said he fully intends to see a number of possible candidates and get back to me. I've heard nothing yet."

Coppell walked out on Brentford last week, citing financial constraints as a key factor in his departure.

Taylor blamed his resignation on the limited budget for Albion's First Division challenge next season but Coppell refuted reports that he has already rejected the chance to take charge of the Seagulls.

The ex-Manchester United and England winger, also a target for Wimbledon, said: "That is totally incorrect."

Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, admitted last week that Coppell "clearly is somebody who has the right credentials for us."

The Seagulls are gradually narrowing the field down in the hunt for Taylor's successor.

Former Portsmouth manager Graham Rix threw his hat into the ring last week but he is not thought to be a contender.

Albion also held preliminary talks with ex-Wimbledon chief Terry Burton but Danny Wilson, a popular name at boardroom level, would involve a compensation payout.

Former Seagull Wilson is under contract at Bristol City.

Asked today if there had been any contact between the clubs, Wilson said: "Not as far as I know."

Some candidates are believed to have been put off by Knight's condition that they must work with the existing backroom team.

Assistant manager Bob Booker recently signed a two-year contract after rejecting the chance to be reunited with Micky Adams at Leicester.