Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi does not want to lose valuable midfielder Pascal Gross.

The versatile pass master has been instrumental to the team's impressive form under the Italian manager's guidance over the past 2 seasons.

While Gross is entering the final year of his contract, De Zerbi hopes he will pen an extension.

At the same time, he did not want to suggest that he would stand in the way of Gross, if the midfielder wanted to move to another club.

"I hope he can stay with us," De Zerbi said in his press conference.

"I work for myself, but I also work to help players become better and if Pascal offers, I think we can understand him. I want him to stay with us."