Albion boss Chris Hughton will make Rohan Ince part of his long-term plans after rubbishing reports linking him with a move to the Premier League.

Ince, 22, is approaching the final year of his contract and Hughton expects the club to tie the centre-half turned defensive central midfielder down to a long-term deal.

Hughton told The Argus: “I’ve no doubts about that. He’s still developing as a player. He has been converted to a central midfielder and I still think there is more development in his game.

“I think he’s at that stage now where he can develop more over the next few seasons. Certainly I think this would be the best place for him to be able to do that but also not to get above his staion.

“As always with younger players the form can be a little bit sporadic and I think that’s been the case with Rohan. He has put in some very good performances and some where he has found it a little bit tougher.

“That’s normal for a young player in his position but certainly this would be the best development place for him.”

Former Chelsea prospect Ince was linked with Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and West Brom last month.

Hughton said: “I think any link with Rohan with the Premier League at the moment is absolutely speculation. He is somebody that is still developing his game.”

Ince, poised for the 50th league start of his career at home to leaders Bournemouth tomorrow night, said: “It’s flattering to be linked with those teams, big clubs in the Premier League where every player wants to play, but at the moment I am just concentrating on Brighton.

“Ideally you want to be where you are playing football. I am playing so I’m happy.

“All I can do is play well. All the contract talks are done by agents and people higher up at the club so I’m just focusing on playing football.”