ALBION have started talks with key midfielders Beram Kayal and Dale Stephens about new deals.

The influential pair are out of contract at the end of next season and the Seagulls are hopeful they will follow manager Chris Hughton’s lead by committing to the club for longer.

Hughton signed a new four-year contract last month.

Kayal and Stephens are both central to his plans to go one better next season after Albion missed out narrowly on promotion.

Chief executive Paul Barber told The Argus: “They have both got a year to go and obviously we would very much like them to stay. They’ve been terrific players, not just on the pitch but off the pitch. We have started discussions and those discussions will take as long as they take.”

Kayal and Stephens are bound to have admirers following outstanding contributions in their first full season as a partnership.

The list of feasible suitors regarded as a step-up from the Seagulls will, however, be limited for the Israeli international formerly with Celtic and the Lancastrian signed from Charlton.

Burnley, promoted to the Premier League, need a replacement for Joey Barton who has joined Glasgow Rangers. Derby were previously linked with Stephens, who was suspended for the exit from the play-offs against Sheffield Wednesday as a result of a controversial red card in the automatic promotion decider at Middlesbrough.

Albion, with a stable and respected manager, big support, first class facilities and determination to reach the Premier League, will be optimistic terms can be agreed with Kayal and Stephens to retain their services.