Albion have reiterated their determination to keep hold of their stars amid reports linking Celtic with a move for Dale Stephens and confirmation that Paul Trollope is Chris Hughton's new No.2.

Boss Hughton issued a hands-off warning in The Argus last month to clubs keen on Stephens, Anthony Knockaert and Lewis Dunk.

Chief executive Paul Barber has reinforced the Seagulls' stance ahead of the January transfer window.

He said: "There's no point in building a squad with significant depth if you then go halfway through a season and allow that to dissipate by letting people go.

"We're going to do everything possible to keep the group together as we did in the summer, to add to it where we can and need to, and where Chris (Hughton) says we need to."

  Albion remain keen to add to their strike force in the New Year.

Barber, speaking to the club's website, added: "Hopefully the second half of the season will be as strong as the first and we're in the best possible position."