EX Albion shot stopper David Stockdale believes that Robert Sanchez should stay at the club to continue his development.

The Wycombe goalkeeper has admitted that he knew that the Spaniard would have the ability to become a crucial member of the Albion first-team, especially with the help from goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts.

The revelation from Stockdale come after rumours that other Premier League clubs such as Leicester City and Newcastle have been interested in signing the now Spain international goalkeeper.

The 36-year-old told the club website: “Me and Ben knew when Rob was coming through he was one to watch out for – we had Christian Walton as well, there was a great crop of keepers coming through.

The Argus: David StockdaleDavid Stockdale

“But we knew with Rob he had the raw talent to go on and be a top level keeper, he’s a great lad. It wasn’t a surprise to see him playing in the Premier League.

“He’s matured and really taken to it, it’ll be interesting to see how far he can go. I hope he stays at Brighton and carries on his learning with Ben, there’s no better goalkeeping coach than him.”

Stockdale and Roberts worked together throughout his time at Albion and he can tell why Sanchez has benefitted from the coaching.

He said: “Ben and I had tried to work together at previous clubs and it hadn’t come off. So when we finally did at Brighton he said ‘this is what I want you to work on, stay with me and trust me and the process’.

“It wasn’t always easy, I was 30 at the time trying to adapt my style, sometimes it’s hard. But I trusted him and it worked. He’s shown with numerous keepers that he can help anyone improve. That’s why people hold him in such high regard.”

The current Wycombe stopper also revealed that he enjoyed his time at the club, as he was important to the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

He said: "I will always remember my time at Brighton incredibly fondly, I loved it. I made some great friends and built a really good relationship with the club and the staff. I love watching them play now and I hope they can build on what’s been a really good season.”