Albion are still some way from clinching the permanent capture of Stephen Ward, according to Wolves manager Kenny Jackett.

The Argus revealed last week the Seagulls are not prepared to match Ward's wages at Wolves of £13,000-a-week after paying £3,000-a-week less last season when the Republic of Ireland international left-back was on loan from Wolves.

Jackett said: "There has been some contact with Jez (Moxey, chief executive) – Brighton have been in touch during the course of the summer.

"It’s dovetailed with them appointing a new manager. Nothing has been agreed so there's enough of a distance for a deal not to have been done yet.

"But at least there has been some contact. They've expressed an interest through the summer.

"Stephen had a good year last season and I'm sure he'll be looking to build on it.

"He's said publicly he'd like to stay at Brighton. I'll see him and talk to him."