Albion are still in pole position to make Leandro Trossard their record signing, despite competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

The Seagulls have first refusal on the Belgian winger after agreeing a fee of just under £18 million with Trossard's club Genk.

His representative, Josy Comhair, flew to England yesterday to discuss personal terms.

Trossard remained in Belgium after getting married at the weekend.

Comhair returned to Belgium last night without an agreement.

Talks will resume with Albion via phone today.

Trossard is attracted by the prospect of moving to the south coast.

Promoted Villa are also keen on him and long-time admirers Arsenal are still lurking in the background but the 24-year-old has more chance of playing regularly with the Seagulls than at The Emirates, especially as Jose Izquierdo is sidelined by a second knee operation.

The Argus revealed earlier this month that Albion were prepared to break their transfer record to sign Trossard, who captained Genk to the Belgian title last season, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The fee eclipses the £17 million fee paid to AZ Alkmaar last summer for Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh.