Percy Tau arrival could see Brighton's record signing exit as Graham Potter eyes January cuts

Jahanbakhsh was quoted in Iranian media this week complaining about his lack of opportunities and claimed conversations that convinced him to stay last summer were "better than what actually happened."

The 27-year-old has struggled to force his way into the starting line-up this season and the arrival of Percy Tau has increased speculation on Jahanbakhsh's future.

The striker, who has scored twice in the Carabao Cup this campaign, said he had decent offers last summer and this January transfer window could now be a significant moment in his career.

Tau, who was recalled from his loan spell at Anderlecht, adds further competition for places in the Albion attack.

Graham Potter said he is keen to trim his squad this month and the head coach has a big call to make with Jahanbakhsh, who joined for a club record £17m from AZ Alkmaar in 2018.

“He doesn’t know where that has come from and it’s a bit of a mystery to him," said Potter when asked about his striker's quotes.

"He is still part of the group. He played against Arsenal, he is training well. He trains well every day."

With Danny Welbeck (knee) and Aaron Connolly (hamstring) injured, the Iran international could be called upon for Sunday's FA Cup third round trip to Newport.

He may even spearhead the attack with Tau, who is expected to make his long-awaited debut for Brighton in south Wales.

Albion then face Man City and Leeds in the Premier League in quick succession.

Connolly's and Welbeck's injuries could see more game time in January for Jahanbakhsh but his overall lack of minutes and his recent comments cast doubt on his future.

"One of the reasons I stayed was because I knew I would have a different season ahead of me," he said in an interview for Iranian media.

"I had good offers in the summer, but in the end, after talking to the head coach and the club manager, they asked me to stay anyway and promised that things would get better.

"I started two or three games from the beginning but I told them that this did not satisfy me.

"I was both satisfied and dissatisfied with my situation this season.

"The conversations that convinced me to stay were better than what actually happened."

He added: "Every time I went on the field, I was influential considering the time I was on the field, and I had an acceptable performance compared to the other players with more time on the field. The chances I created were very obvious.

"I am at a time when I have to play a lot more and have better conditions."

Brighton may well need Jahanbakhsh in Newport but if an offer arrives, this could also be the month where Brighton decide to cut their losses on what has been a frustrating signing for club and player.

"There might be injuries or there are options for players to move," said Potter. "As a broad plan it will be ideal to lose a couple of numbers."