Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed Liam Bridcutt wants to leave this month, but the Championship side have refused his transfer request.
The 24-year-old is rated as one of the best talents in the second-tier, and former Seagulls boss Gus Poyet is keen to offer him a Premier League platform at Sunderland. Bridcutt was a regular under the Uruguayan whilst they were at the Falmer Stadium, and the Black Cats boss is confident the midfielder can perform in the top-division.
It is only natural that the Scotland international would be keen to see what is on offer at the Stadium of Light, and he has informed Brighton that he wants to make the step up during the January window. However, in an official statement, the Championship club have confirmed they have refused a transfer request from the 24-year-old.
A club statement read: “Brighton and Hove Albion can confirm that a transfer request from Liam Bridcutt was received yesterday afternoon and subsequently has been rejected by the club. At this stage the club does not wish to make any further comment on this matter.”
It is also believed that whilst Poyet will make an official approach to sign Bridcutt in the coming days, he is also keen to take Will Buckley from Brighton. The Black Cats boss has already signed Spanish fullback Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina on loan, and he is expected to be one of the busiest coaches in the Premier League this month as he looks to steer the Wearside outfit away from the foot of table and into safety.
In better news for Brighton, meanwhile, they have been able to secure the signature of Jonathan Obika. The 23-year-old Tottenham Hotspur striker, who has already had a number of loan spells, will remain at the club for the coming three months.
