Albion boss Chris Hughton says midfield star Dale Stephens is unfazed by mounting transfer interest.

Stephens returns to action in the Seagulls’ penultimate pre-season friendly at Oxford United tonight (7.45pm).

He has been sidelined from the warm-up programme since sustaining a knee injury in the opening friendly at Crawley ten days ago.

Albion have rejected a third bid from Burnley, believed to be around £5 million.

They have also turned down an offer from another un-named club, which The Argus can now reveal is a Championship rival.

Crystal Palace are thought to be admirers but the absence of concrete interest from an established Premier League outfit increases the chances of Albion clinging on to Stephens.

Hughton told The Argus: “He is fine. Most good lads in these situations just get on with it.

“It doesn’t stop them from training well and being involved in games.”

Albion’s shortage of fit central defenders leaves Bruno partnering Lewis Dunk this evening, while Steve Sidwell is ruled out of midfield involvement by a minor knee knock and Danny Holla because he remains on the fringes.

The squad for the trip to the Kassam Stadium includes a handful of youngsters – defenders Will Collar, Rob Hunt, Ben Hall and Tom Cadman together with Irish midfield prospect Jayson Molumby.

Hughton remains intent on signing another striker, despite the pre-season appearances of Dutch enigma Elvis Manu.

“Over the last couple of weeks he has looked a little bit brighter and has got himself in really good goalscoring opportunities,” Hughton said. “But we are one light there.”