Albion are poised to offer a contract to Jake Caskey in an attempt to secure the future of the highly-rated youngster.

Manager Gus Poyet is aware of Caskey’s ability and the Seagulls are keen to act quickly to make sure he is not lured elsewhere.

Poyet revealed: “It is a situation we are dealing with right now. There are going to be a few meetings and discussions.

“He is a very good player, so we need to make sure we make the right decision.

“One of the things I am looking forward to as soon as we get out of out position in the table is to see more of the young players.”

Caskey, the 15-year-old stepson of club captain Nicky Forster, is regarded by club insiders as a potential star of the future.

Les Rogers, a long-serving former youth coach for the Seagulls, has compared him with Gareth Barry.

The left-footed midfielder, son of former Spurs playmaker Darren Caskey, has represented England under 16’s this season and Premier League giants Arsenal and Aston Villa are monitoring his situation.

Caskey will get an opportunity to parade his talents against Premier League opposition on home soil when Albion face Everton in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup at Withdean in the week commencing January 11.

Albion's senior side will visit Torquay, 4-0 winners over Stockport last night, in the third round of the FA Cup.