Tony Bloom says Albion are “well-stocked” in midfield, despite selling Yves Bissouma.

The Seagulls have been linked with several 'Bissouma replacement' type players this summer as the Mali international joined Tottenham.

But Bloom has played down any need to sign new players.

Asked specifically about Bissouma's departure, the Albion chairman said: “We are always looking ahead.

“You can never know when players may move on.

“But we are well-stocked in midfield. We have got some very good players.

“Obviously, Jakub (Moder) is out for the first half of the season.

“We wish him well. I believe the recovery is going fairly well.

“Like any young player, I am sure he is chomping at the bit to come back but we have to be patient with an injury like that.

“When we do recruitment, we are always trying to look ahead.

“It’s not an exact science but with Yves, with only a year left and having a lot of interest from outside, we did know from during last season it was highly likely he would be sold this summer.”

Albion have signed several midfielders in recent seasons, notably Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Adam Lallana and Enock Mwepu as well as Moder.

They might also be mindful of the fact any new signing now would carry that “Bissouma replacement” tag.

That is, the immediate “replacement” for possibly Albion’s best player - and a player who needed at least two-and-a-half seasons to reach that level of consistent performance.