BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION assistant manager Nathan Jones believes negotiations with Sunderland over wantaway midfielder Liam Bridcutt will 'evolve' over the next 72 hours.

Bridcutt was once again absent from the Seagulls' squad for the 0-0 draw at Burnley, and is understood to be a target for his old manager Gus Poyet at Sunderland.

The Seagulls rejected Bridcutt's transfer request earlier this month as Friday's transfer window deadline looms ever closer.

''Those things will evolve in the next 72 hours,'' Jones explained.

''We're fantastically proud of our squad and the players we have. Things are ongoing with certain elements in terms of strengthening the squad and trying to hold on to our players.''