Brighton boss Hurzeler refuses to 'take part in speculation' amid Ayari sale links

Hurzeler talks Brighton transfers, including Ferguson, ahead of Everton clash
Hurzeler talks Brighton transfers, including Ferguson, ahead of Everton clashReuters

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler insists Yasin Ayari isn't for sale.

The Swedish midfielder is the subject of a £20m offer from Nottingham Forest this week. Brighton rejected the offer, and Hurzeler is confident there won't be any late movement ahead of deadline day, Tuesday.

He said this morning:  "I'm not taking part in speculation. I really enjoy working with Yasin, and he really enjoys working with us. He's a Brighton player."

Meanwhile, Hurzeler also addressed Diego Coppola's loan move to Paris FC.

He explained: "We definitely saw him more for the future. He had an incredible start for the club; he has an unbelievable attitude.

"Now it's about improving small details regarding his game in possession. I'm definitely looking forward to working with him here, because he has big potential and can be a big player for us in the future."

Brighton host Everton on Saturday, but before considering the Premier League clash, Hurzeler was asked about the prospect of striker Evan Ferguson making a return in the coming days from his difficult loan with AS Roma.

He said, "I can't rule out anything during the transfer window. In football, anything is possible.

"I just want to mention that we still have a good replacement with Babis (Charalampos Kostoulas), I think he has proved in several games he can be a good striker. The squad is full of potential and full of options. I'm really happy with the squad."

Baleba fit to play

On hosting Everton at Falmer Stadium, Hurzeler says his squad is in good shape.

He stated: "No new injury news, we have the same squad available. Diego Gomez had a small issue in training, but let's see if he can train today fully.

"That's the only concern we have."

Hurzeler, before signing off, insisted Carlos Baleba is fine after being taken off during the defeat to Fulham. The German drew criticism from fans for the decision last week.

"He was just tired, so he came to the bench. He said he's exhausted, he can't go on," said Hurzeler.

"And then we have to make a change. That's normal in a football game.

"I think it's really important to let the emotions be part of this game, to share your opinion, to be honest about performances, the decisions from the head coaches, but I think sometimes it is also important to understand the background, to understand some reasons behind that and therefore that was the only reason we took him off.

“He was just tired and exhausted, and I think it is better to have a fresh player on the pitch." 

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