Ezequiel Schelotto could be playing for his future in the last nine games of the season.

The Argentinian right-back is expected to extend his deal until the end of season as contract business is tied up.

Jurgen Locadia’s loan at Cincinnati was yesterday extended until next summer.

That will give him a full MLS campaign and could lead to a permanent deal for a player who does not appear to feature in Graham Potter’s plans.

As expected, Ben White (Leeds), Jayson Molumby (Millwall), Matt Clarke (Derby) and Christian Walton (Blackburn) will complete the campaign on loan at Championship clubs.

Schelotto and Beram Kayal are out of contract this summer and the former has the best chance of earning new terms.

Head coach Potter said: “I think he wants to play. He’s had a long time out with his injury.

“He has battled really hard to get back to fitness and he’s played a bit of time but probably hasn’t played as much as he would like.

“He wants to play, I think he wants to play for Brighton.

“He wants to do his best for the team and I suppose the next nine games will tell a lot in terms of how much game time he has and how things play out, which I’m sure will be a factor in his decision going forward and our decision going forward as well.

“We’re happy to have him with us. He’s another player who I’m sure is going to help us over the next few weeks.”

Potter believed Schelotto and Kayal could have committed for the rest of the season by the time Albion kick-off against Arsenal.

Kayal returned from an injury-ruined loan stint with Charlton in November.

Potter added: “Beram was speaking with us. I think he’ll be with us for the rest of the season.

“He has returned in good shape and he’s ready to help the team and wants to help the players, so that’s good for us.”

Young midfielder Max Sanders is also out of contract.

He has had time away since returning from a loan stint at AFC Wimbledon and talks are ongoing.