GUS POYET insists Albion will not be panicked into striking a deal with Glenn Murray.

The Seagulls boss is facing competition from other clubs, including Crystal Palace and Millwall, but believes his out-of-contract goalgetter could stay with the League One champions.

Poyet said: “We are still negotiating with Glenn. Probably he has other offers but nothing is decided. All the time he has not signed for somebody else we have the option.

“It’s a great opportunity for him. Sometimes it looks better for us, then it changes, but we will wait until the last minute if we have to.”

Albion are likely to be told to make an offer if they want to sign Kazenga LuaLua on a permanent deal from Newcastle.

The exciting winger came off the bench in Newcastle’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Sunday, his first action since suffering a broken ankle in November while on loan to the Seagulls.

He will be in the 18, and could start, in the season-ending home game with West Brom on Sunday.

LuaLua will be given the chance to stake a claim for a first team squad place in pre-season before boss Alan Pardew decides if he can go on loan.

However United are believed to be willing to sell their young flyer if they get the right offer and his value will inevitably rise if he shines in the top flight.

Meanwhile Poyet admits he is relishing the chance to take on West Ham in the Championship next season.

The Hammers were relegated on Sunday and Poyet said: “Without doubt West Ham will be a massive game next season.

“We are used to seeing them in the Premier League. We still need to wait and see who goes there and who leaves because these things change when a team goes down.”

Steve McLaren was the bookies’ early favourite to take charge at Upton Park following the departure of Avram Grant but ruled himself out of the running yesterday. Poyet, who has repeatedly committed his long-term future to the Seagulls, is quoted as a 16/1 outsider.