Albion plan to play two pre-season games in Japan this summer.

They expect Kaoru Mitoma, currently sidelined by injury, to be part of the trip.

Albion chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said: “All things being equal, we will be heading to Japan this summer.

“We expect Kaoru to be part of that tour, obviously, because it is important for us to have Kaoru with us.

“At the moment the plan is to have two games out there in Japan.

“We have got a small team out there at the moment, just looking at training pitches and hotels and the stadiums and so on.

“But that will be our plan this summer.

“We are not quite there yet. We have still got some work on the contract to do but that’s the plan.”

Albion were part of a Premier League-organised trip to the USA last year when they played in the Summer Series.

The planned Japan trip is likely to be tailor-made for the Seagulls and they would expect a high level of interest, especially with Mitoma present.

Although opponents have not been confirmed, Tottenham and Newcastle will also be in Japan this summer.

Barber said Albion had been invited to Japan and pointed out the country is a key market for main sponsors American Express and Nike.

Asked about travelling so far for pre-season, head coach Roberto De Zerbi told last night’s fans forum: “If there are the right conditions, like last season in the USA, for us it’s not a problem, especially if we are going to an amazing country like Japan.”