Fabian Hürzeler refused to discuss the future of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba amid links with Manchester United.
United made contact with the Seagulls earlier this week to enquire about the player, sources told ESPN, but Hürzeler insisted his focus is on the Seagulls’ clash with Aston Villa.
A similar enquiry last summer proved fruitless after Brighton quoted £100 million ($136m) for the Cameroon international.
Sources have told ESPN that United believe Brighton could now be willing to accept a lower offer for the 22-year-old, leading to renewed interest.
Brighton boss Hürzeler told a news conference: “He’s a Brighton player. Like I said, I’ll never comment on any rumours that are currently in the media, it’s also something I definitely can’t control.
“A lot of things are written, I know about situations but again, in two days I have a very important game together with my team and with my staff. We want to have a good start in the Premier League season, that’s the only focus we have at the moment.”
The German manager said Baleba would not be available for their opener, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury picked up during preseason.
Hürzeler was also asked about the importance of Yankuba Minteh, a player Brighton rejected a £50m bid from Liverpool for, according to ESPN sources.
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The Gambia player would be keen for a move to Anfield if a deal can be agreed, sources also said.
Hürzeler added: “We know in general all the players there are rumours about, they are important players for us because they’re a big part of the journey the last two years.
“In football, you have to understand, it’s normal if you’re successful as a team, if the team is doing well, they’ve had some good achievements, then an individual can shine. Then of course there will be a big ask for our players, that’s part of our identity and part of my job here.
“It was clear for everyone this might happen during a busy transfer window. We can go through every individual player, we all know how important these kinds of players are for me, but we also know that good achievements, big achievements, especially in the Premier League, you create offers, you create a lot of attention.”
Information from PA, ESPN’s Rob Dawson and ESPN’s Beth Lindop contributed to this report.
