Albion stalwart Kerry Mayo is on the verge of extending his long stay with the club.

He is poised to sign a new one-year contract once he has discussed the offer with his agent.

Fellow servants Charlie Oatway, Gary Hart, Guy Butters and Richard Carpenter have already agreed one-year deals.

Mayo is likely to follow suit, ensuring his benefit year ends on a personal high after the blow of relegation.

"If that means signing for Brighton that would be fantastic," he said.

"I'm over the moon with the offer of another year and I will make my decision very soon.

"All I am waiting for is my agent to get back to me. Until that happens I cannot make a decision. I really want to sign and I am not holding anyone to ransom."

The future of Mayo, 28, was plunged into doubt after he struggled to command a regular place this season.

He made only 15 starts, several of them in midfield after losing the leftback spot to youngster Joel Lynch.

"I was a little bit sceptical about being offered something in the sense that in the last couple of years I have not really played regularly," Mayo admitted.

"I have become more of a squad player than a first team player.

"If I sign I want to put that right, whether at leftback or in the centre of midfield.

"Mark McGhee is certainly not frightened to play players out of position and experiment.

"I see myself as a utility player now, not just a defender, and I will just be happy to be playing."

Mayo is hoping Arsenal will provide the opposition for his testimonial match at Withdean at the end of July.

The next big event on his testimonial calendar is a grand summer ball at the Metropole Hotel on Brighton seafront on Saturday July 15 (7pm).

Tickets for the black tie event are priced at £60 or £600 for a table of ten.

They can be booked via Clare Morgan on 07879-471043 or alternatively by e-mailing kerrymayotc@gmail.com.