It really was a matter of when, rather than if, Albion's midfield duo of Dale Stephens and Beram Kayal attracted interest from the Premier League.

Burnley are clearly keen on Stephens as a combative replacement for the departed Joey Barton.

The Seagulls have rejected two bids, the latest £4 million.

That is more than Burnley have offered Derby for Jeff Hendrick, a hit for the Republic of Ireland in the Euro finals in France.

The question now is how much more are Burnley prepared to offer and what do Albion regard as a fair price?

They are entitled to think a fair bit more than £4 million, considering the amount of money swilling around in the Premier League, but Stephens is in a strong bargaining position with a year remaining on his existing contract.

Of course, Albion are determined to keep him. And, of course, they will do everything within their power to do so.

The same applies to Kayal, the subject of speculative rather than concrete interest linking him with Hull.

The reality is it will be down to the players. They are the ones holding most of the cards.