Brighton boss Graham Potter responds to Steven Gerrard’s Yves Bissouma transfer comments

Brighton manager Graham Potter has said that he has ‘no major feelings’ about Steven Gerrard speaking out over his interest in midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Aston Villa boss confirmed earlier this month that his side had seen a bid turned down for the player in the January transfer window, hinting that they may reignite their interest when the summer window opens.

“It was well documented that we put in a bid for Bissouma at Brighton which was turned away,” he said .

“If a move is not right then we will not become desperate and make a decision that we do not think is right. If it’s not right at the time we might have to be patient in a few situations.”

Bissouma has been a key player for the Seagulls in recent seasons. The 25-year-old is under contract until 2023 and it is said Potter’s side are asking for a fee of around £50 million should they part ways with the midfielder in the summer.

Speaking ahead of the Saturday's 3pm clash between Villa and Brighton at the Amex Arena, Potter responded to Gerrard ’s comments on a possible transfer.

"I was not surprised or surprised," Potter told the Brighton Indy (via SussexWorld ).

"I had no major feelings about it. I have a lot of respect for people who do this job because I know how hard it is.

"Everybody can do it how they see fit, inline with their club and their context. I'm quite neutral about it.

"Steven has a right to speak how he wants to speak and there is nothing for me to say about that."

Villa are expected to come up against the transfer target on Saturday with the midfielder playing the full 90 minutes of Brighton’s last two Premier League games after returning from international duty.