'Dope test him' - Brighton ace flying in training after January transfer link
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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler dismissed Harry Howell's January transfer link to Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen as “noise and speculation.”
The young Brighton talent has been on the fringes of the first team this term and has one goal and two assists from his two appearances in the Carabao Cup.
The 17-year-old winger is highly regarded at the club and is seen as one of the most exciting young players from the academy, although he is yet to feature in Premier League matchday squad this season.
“We had an open exchange with him and his agent," said Hurzeler speaking ahead of Brighton's trip to Arsenal on December 27.
“I think the rumours are just noise. He is back in our environment now.
“We have some clear values, some clear principles we want to see from every player.
“We know that Harry Howell has very big potential, that Harry Howell can be a big, big player for us.
“But first of all it is about hard work, it is about delivering it every day, every training session.”
Harry Howell is out to impress
Howell is clearly out to impress and has been flying during recent training sessions.
“I have to go inside and think about sending him to a doping test because he was so good in training," Hurzeler quipped.
“That is what I demand from a young player, what I want to see from them. If he is doing that, he has a big chance to be a big player for us."
The Albion boss then doubled down on his and the club's desire to keep the young talent and pretty much ruled out a move this January.
“Just noise, just rumour. I am really looking forward to working with him.”
Hurzeler was also pressed if Brighton will be active in the transfer market this January. A long term injury to striker Stefanos Tzimas could see the Seagulls look to bolster their attacking ranks and help out 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck.
“We always try to understand what is best for the club,” added the German. “To understand what is best for the individual players.
“The transfer market will be open, let’s see if we will be active.”
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