Gus Poyet wants to diffuse a potential contracts timebomb before Albion kick off in the Championship.

The Seagulls have a host of players, including all three senior goalkeepers, on deals which expire next summer.

Poyet, who recently lost the services of out-of-contract top scorer Glenn Murray, hopes to have at least opened talks with some of them by the start of the 2011-12 campaign.

Defenders Marcos Painter and Tommy Elphick are committed to the club until next June, as are keepers Casper Ankergren, Peter Brezovan and Michael Poke.

Ashley Barnes is into the last year of his contract and, should he be a hit in the Championship, Poyet will be determined to avoid a repeat of the Murray scenario where a free-scoring striker was free to leave.

James Tunnicliffe, who was on loan at Bristol Rovers last season, and injury-plagued Jimmy McNulty also have a year to run.

Poyet is keen to not be faced with wholesale negotiations in January or later.

He said: “We need to concentrate now on getting the new players in we need now.

“We will sit down at the right time with those we hope to extend but, if we can sort some things out for next year this summer, then great.

“It will mean players will start the season knowing where they stand.

“It’s a different situation for all players. They are different ages, different individuals. Some need to prove they can play in the Championship.”