ALBION star Jeff Minton has turned down a big money move to promotion rivals Brentford.

The Bees' boss Ron Noades tried to lure Minton to Griffin Park from next season with a lucrative offer which would have doubled his wages.

But Albion's midfield general rejected the deal and Seagulls chairman Dick Knight has pledged to do everything possible to keep hold of him.

Minton, 25, has been free to talk to other clubs since the turn of the year as a result of the Bosman ruling.

And he is entitled to a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

"I had interest from Brentford when Brian Horton was still here," Minton revealed. "Their offer would have doubled my wages.

"But they wanted me to sign a pre-contract, which means I sign now and promise to go there at the end of the season. I didn't want to do that."

Knight said: "Jeff is a quality player and is therefore going to attract attention. But we are going to do everything possible to persuade him to stay at the club.

"It is my priority to do my level best to keep him. He has enjoyed his football more this year than any year since he has been with us."

Minton's case exposes the dilemma created by Bosman for clubs with players in demand. Do they cash in by selling while he is still under contract or run the risk of him walking away for nothing at the end of his contract?

Minton is widely regarded as Albion's biggest asset. The nine-goal playmaker, currently sidelined by injury, was signed by Liam Brady on a free transfer from Spurs in July 1994.

He has often been unsettled during his time on the south coast but agreed a new one-year contract with Horton last summer.

Albion are waiting for the results of a scan yesterday on the ankle ligament damage which has ruled Minton out of the last five matches and will almost certainly keep him out of Saturday's home game against Leyton Orient.

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