Brighton are planning for next season with Roberto De Zerbi as manager despite interest from AC Milan, talkSPORT understands.
Italian De Zerbi, a former Milan player, raised doubts over his future in March by claiming he was not close to signing a new contract.
However, the Seagulls are confident he will still be in charge next season and they are protected by a hefty release clause of around £12m.
De Zerbi has won plenty of plaudits for the job he has done on the south coast, guiding them into European football for the first time with Brighton qualifying for the Europa League.
Chances of a second successive season in Europe slipped away amid poor form in 2024, with Brighton currently 12th in the Premier League.
That has not stopped De Zerbi from being linked with some of the biggest jobs in Europe, though.
As well as AC Milan’s interest, he had been mooted as a contender for the Liverpool job before Arne Slot became the favourite.
Pep Guardiola has even reportedly tipped him as his successor at Manchester City.
Reports claimed that last season he told a group of people at the Amex Stadium that De Zerbi would be his successor.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber told talkSPORT in February that the De Zerbi links to other clubs were flattering, but also frustrating.
“It’s a huge compliment I could do without,” he said with laughter. “I think, as we’ve said many times before, the more successful we are relatively speaking, the higher profile we have.
“We expect our best people, whether they’re coaches, players or staff to come to the notice of others.
“It is a compliment, it can be frustrating as well for us obviously, but we plan for these eventualities.
“I’m hoping Roberto is here for a long time. He’s happy here, he’s doing a great job here, the fans love him, the players love him even more and we hope he stays for a long time.”
Brighton’s last four games of the season are against Aston Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United.