Roberto De Zerbi says Albion are ready to cope without two of their midfield stars.

The head coach recognised Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo could go this summer after watching his side end their season at Aston Villa.

Mac Allister was in tears at full-time as he was hugged by team-mates and De Zerbi.

The head coach then pointed at Mac Allister as he appeared to be urging Albion fans to cheer him.

Asked about those scenes, De Zerbi said: “I think it can be the last game of Alexis and Moises Caicedo.

“I am really sorry because they are two great people and two great players.

“But the policy of Brighton is like this and we have to accept it.

“I think it’s right they can leave, they can change team and they can play in a level higher.”

It was put to De Zerbi that the scenes involving Mac Allister appeared particularly definitive.

De Zerbi said: “Sincerely I don’t know but it can be and we are ready, I think.

“We have to find other big players to play without Alexis and Moises.”