Graham Potter is understood to be Brighton & Hove Albion's main target as they begin the hunt to find Chris Hughton's successor as club manager.
The decision to sack Hughton, less than 24 hours after their final game of the season, has given the club plenty of time to find a replacement. However, they are reportedly very keen on securing the services of the current Swansea City manager as soon as possible. An announcement could even be made in the coming days.
Potter took over the Welsh outfit, who finished four spots off the promotion play-off places in tenth, last year after he made a name for himself as manager of Östersunds FK in Sweden, The young English manager emerged into the English media's spotlight when his side met with Arsenal in the second round of the Europa League last year.
While Arsenal ultimately went through, Potter's side impressed, especially in the second leg of the fixture which they won 2-1.
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that Chris Hughton has left the club with immediate effect.
Hughton’s assistant Paul Trollope and first-team coach Paul Nevin have also left. #BHAFC 🔵⚪️— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 13, 2019
While the 43-year-old appears committed to his current outfit, the lure of Premier League football and the financial backing it brings may be too hard to resist.
In a statement this morning, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom explained his decision in sacking Hughton.
He said:
Our run of three wins from 23 Premier League matches put our status at significant risk. It is with that in mind, and the performances during that period, that I now feel it’s the right time for a change.
While Hughton brought Premier League football to the Amex Stadium, it was clearly seen as the height of what he was capable of.
If Bloom believes Potter to be the man to bring the club to the next level, the level of finance he can provide is likely to be too great for the young manager to ignore.
