Newcastle are expected to meet stiff resistance from Albion - IF they really want Graham Potter as their new manager.

Toon have been linked with interest in the Seagulls’ head coach after a controversial takeover at St James’ Park last week.

Steve Bruce is likely to be removed from the hot seat before action resumes next weekend.

Suggestions emerged on Saturday that Newcastle had identified Potter as the man to lead a new era at the current strugglers.

But well-connected figures in the regional media on Tyneside had not heard his name linked with what is likely to become a vacancy.

A well-placed source closer to Albion declined to comment on whether there had been contact from Newcastle representatives regarding their head coach at this early stage.

But an Argus contact referred, in more general terms, to “a multitude of speculation and nonsense that’s already out there now and that’s going to come out in the next few weeks and months”.

The Seagulls boss was linked with interest from Tottenham near the end of last season.

Such reports will resurface should the man who eventually got the job, Nuno Espirito Santo, lose favour at the North London club.

Albion’s measured progress as a team and club under Potter means it would be a shock if other Prem clubs were NOT bearing him in mind when vacancies arise.

But it will also be common knowledge that his track record among the elite is, for now, still relatively limited – and that he is both happy and highly-valued at Albion, who have him under contract until 2025.

Newcastle would have a budget way out of the Seagulls' reach but that could also be said of many other clubs.

Speaking at the time of reported Spurs interest, Albion deputy chairman Paul Barber said of Potter: “We are delighted with him and we expect him to be here for many years to come.

“I think everybody in football knows we secured Graham on a long-term contract when a lot of people were surprised we did that.”

BRIGHTON BEAT TOTTENHAM 2-1 IN FA WSL

Potter’s attention will be firmly on Saturday’s return to Premier League action, which sees Albion go to Norwich City.

Leandro Trossard, scorer of the only goal on their last trip to Carrow Road, should return fresh having played very limited minutes for Belgium at the UEFA Nations League final four.