Albion have turned down two bids from Burnley for their midfield star Dale Stephens.

The Lancastrians, promoted back to the Premier League last season, need to replace Joey Barton who left for Glasgow Rangers.

They were willing to pay £4 million for Stephens, The Argus understands.

Burnley have also had a bid in the region of £3.5 million rejected for Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick by Albion's Championship rivals Derby County.

The Seagulls have been prepared for fending off interest in Stephens and midfield partner Beram Kayal.

The Israeli international (below) has today been linked with Hull but The Argus understands Tigers' chief Steve Bruce, although an admirer, does not have Kayal high on his list of targets.

The Argus: Stephens and Kayal both have a year left on their contracts and have been offered new deals.