BOSS Chris Hughton has issued a hands off warning to clubs intent on more raids for his Albion stars.

The Seagulls rejected bids totalling around £20 million during the summer transfer window from Newcastle for Anthony Knockaert, Burnley for Dale Stephens and Crystal Palace for Lewis Dunk.

Hughton is determined to slap up a ‘not for sale’ sign once more when the window re-opens in January.

He said: “I think it’s as important again. As a manager I’m always very conscious of levels and offers we have for our players.

“Ultimately, there will always be at some stage maybe an offer that is incredibly difficult for a club to turn down.

“I’m always appreciative of that but the club worked very hard to keep the players that we did over the summer period. I’m grateful for that and we would want to go through to the end of the season, hopefully pushing at the right end of the table.”

Stephens, the subject of multiple bids from Burnley, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Hughton told The Argus: “I can only say what we would like. Certainly we would like him to be here next season and we very much hope that will be the case.”

Midfielder Stephens is in contention for a return to the starting line-up against Hughton’s old club Norwich at the Amex tomorrow after scoring the only goal as a substitute at Wigan last Saturday.

Hughton said: “He’s been very close over the last few weeks but he’s picked up a couple of little niggles that set him back slightly. He’s very much focused and ready and pushing for a place.”

Solly March is also under consideration for a place on the bench after ten months out with knee damage.

He scored and played 90 minutes in the under-23s in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stoke, his second outing back from a shin problem which held up his recovery.

Hughton said: “I’ll have a decision to make whether to put him in the squad. He’s very close.”