MOST of the Albion players coming to the end of their contracts “know where they stand”.

Manager Chris Hughton says lines of communication are open with the eight players whose deals expire in the summer.

The list includes veteran skipper Bruno and fellow full-back Gaetan Bong, who has started nearly half of the Seagulls’ Premier League matches this season.

Hughton told The Argus: “We would work as hard as we can and keep the lines of communication open as much as possible. It’s obviously different to a player whose contract is up in two or three years time. Sometimes you might have some (clubs) that have more than others, sometimes that can happen when you’re a team that has just gone up.

“What’s more important is the lines of communication and we’ve continued to keep those open and most people know where they stand.”

Ex-Valencia defender Bruno, 37, makes his 21st Premier League appearance out of 24 against Chelsea at the Amex tomorrow.

Hughton said: “He has avoided the big injuries in the past that get to some players in the end. But he looks after himself impeccably from everything that he does and has done. I presume it would have been the same before he got here.

“He has been a model professional and that’s what has allowed him to still play at this level at his age.”

Goalkeepers Tim Krul and Niki Maenpaa, defenders Uwe Huenemeier and Liam Rosenior, midfielder Steve Sidwell and winger Kazenga LuaLua are the others out of contract in June. Decisions on some could be influenced by the division Albion are playing in next season.