Albion boss Gus Poyet will hold talks with Jimmy McNulty this week in an attempt to clarify the defender’s future.

McNulty returned to training with the Seagulls yesterday following the end of his loan spell at Scunthorpe.

The left-back has suggested he would like to stay with the Championship strugglers, although Poyet is not paying too much attention to comments made by McNulty while he was still up north.

Poyet said: “I want to talk to him in private first. It’s natural he would say those type of things when asked up there.

“He is under contract to us. He is back training with us and I will probably talk to him some time this week.

“I need to talk to him. It’s not only what I want, it’s also what he wants. Until I know what he wants it’s very difficult for me.”

McNulty has another two years left on his contract with Albion. The 25-year-old Liverpudlian lost his place in January to Marcos Painter and the Seagulls are close to signing the on-loan Swansea left-back permanently.

McNulty, speaking to the Scunthorpe website, said: “I would like to stay but it’s up to Brighton. It’s out of my hands.

“I’ve got two years left and I honestly don’t know what will happen so first and foremost I think it’s a case of whether Scunthorpe want me. If they did, I would like that.

“Brighton haven’t indicated whether I’m available to move but it all depends on whether Scunthorpe want me and what Brighton have to say. A lot will depend on the talks between me and Gus Poyet.

“I just want to know his plans. I’d like him to be fair and I will let him know that I’ve really enjoyed my time at Scunthorpe and if there’s an option available I’m really interested.”

Liam Dickinson is expected back with Albion today following the expiry of his loan stint with League One bound Peterborough.

Centre half Jake Wright’s loan spell at Oxford incorporates the Blue Square premier play-off final against York at Wembley.

Nicky Forster (Charlton), Craig Davies (Port Vale) and Andrew Whing (Chesterfield) will also be available under the terms of their loan deals if their temporary clubs reach the play-offs.