Seagulls will face fight to sign Mattock

The left-back impressed during a 15 match loan spell at The Amex during which he scored one goal and helped the Albion to a top half finish in their first spell back in the Championship.

However, the form of Liam Ridgewell at his then parent club West Brom was enough for the Midlands club to part company with Mattock and fellow left-back Nicky Shorey

A spokesman for the Baggies explained the decision by saying, “Liam Ridgewell has come in and very much made the left-back position his own.

“We felt Nicky and Joe’s opportunities would therefore be limited.

“Joe is still at the beginning of his career and Nicky is an experienced player, with both requiring regular first-team football that we can’t guarantee them at this stage.”

Mattock, who has five caps for England Under 21s, is already attracting interest from Palace as well as League One promotion hopefuls Sheffield United.