Albion boss Chris Hughton has expressed surprise at the uncertainty surrounding Middlesbrough rival Aitor Karanka.

The Spaniard's future with one of the Seagulls' main opponents for automatic promotion is in the balance after he walked out of a stormy meeting with his players on Friday and did not travel with the squad for yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Charlton.

Hughton said: "I'm very surprised. Generally you don't get too surprised with anything in the game but this one was, particularly at this stage of the season and where they are in the division.

"I don't know what the circumstances are. I've always found him very good. In the games we have been involved in I've enjoyed his company afterwards.

"He has done a very good job there and they are very, very close."

Meanwhile, former Spurs and QPR manager Harry Redknapp is poised to return to the game as director of football at Derby County - another of Albion's Championship promotion rivals - according to reports.