Roberto De Zerbi is already planning for European football with Albion

The Seagulls beat Southampton 3-1 to confirm at least seventh place.

Their charismatic head coach celebrated with fans after the game but he already has thoughts about what will be in many respects the most demanding season in the club’s history.

He told The Argus: “I have clear ideas. I think we are already moving in the transfer market.

“We closed (the deal for) Joao Pedro and we are closing on other players.

“But I think we need something. You can’t forget in January we lost a big player like Leandro Trossard and we played with Evan Ferguson, a top player but he’s 18, and Julio Enciso is 18.

“To compete in four competitions, we can’t work with 14 players but Tony (Bloom, chairman) knows very well my opinion.”

De Zerbi has been speculatively linked with interest from other clubs but is relishing the chance to tackle Europe with the Seagulls.

He said: “I never thought to change team, never thought to go back to Italy or another Premier League team.

“I want to stay. I don’t know many years but for me it’s an honour, I’m proud and I’m enjoying a lot to work these players and these people.”