Graham Potter sets record straight on Yves Bissouma future amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest

Bissouma, 24, has been excellent for Brighton this season and his displays have attracted the attention of Arsenal, Liverpool and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The £35m rated Mali international is set for action once more as 16th placed Brighton visit an inform West Ham at the London Stadium tomorrow.

But with the January transfer window fast approaching, much of the pre-match talk focused on the future of Bissouma and if Brighton can keep hold of their key midfielder.

Potter however remains unfazed by the speculation and feels there is more to come from his man.

“There have been no approaches," said Potter when asked if an official enquiry had been received. “As I’ve said before, just because it’s in the media, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.

“My focus is on Yves and how I can help him improve and I think he’s still got some improvement to make.

“That’s my focus with him, to try and help him reach his full potential. He’s got some work to do yet, so that’s what we are focusing on.”

Potter did however accept that the speculation surrounding his midfielder means that he and Bissouma are doing something right.

"I get what you mean," said Potter. "But I don't read the papers and I don’t really take something that is reported in a newspaper as a true fact.

"This time of the year all sorts of things are put out there which are sometimes true, sometimes untrue, but it doesn’t help me in any way if I listen to the noise.

"Yves has taken some steps and has improved but also still has some more improving to do, which is exciting and is where the work is, so that is what we will focus on."

Bissouma's role in Albion's team has changed this season and he has adapted from more of an attack minded midfielder to a holding midfield position.

"I think he has had to develop into that," said Potter. "He has had to learn some aspects of the game and improve in certain areas but it is credit to him that he has done that so he can help us in those areas. I think he can still improve, so that’s good."

Despite Brighton's struggles to secure the points their performances have perhaps deserved, they have a good record at West Ham and go there with confidence.

The Hammers have surprisingly failed to beat Brighton in the Premier League, losing three and drawing three of their six previous meetings with the Seagulls in the top flight.

Brighton have also performed better on their travels this season, picking up eight of their 12 points away from the Amex.

“It is just one of those beautiful quirks of football," said Potter when asked to explain Brighton's fine record against West Ham. "I am sure David [Moyes] will say the same thing – what has happened in the past doesn't necessarily influence the game on the 27th.

"Both teams start again and we have to earn the right to get the points. We certainly won't be gaining too much confidence from what happened previously.

"Sometimes you get those little stories that are a bit quirky but they are there to be changed."