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Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Gross has spoken out about the transfer speculation linking him with moves to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Southampton, and as a result Ralph Hasenhuttl may have already suffered a major twist to his January transfer plans before the window has even opened.

The Daily Express reported earlier this month that the Austrian manager was keen to link up with the player again having managed him at Ingolstadt in Germany previously.

What did Gross say?

Speaking about the rumoured interest in his services, the 27-year-old said, as quoted by The Argus:

"I have got nothing to say about it.

"I am really enjoying and I'm really happy to play in the Premier League with Brighton.

"I hope we can continue as we have done. At the moment that is everything I care about, the game on Saturday and that's it."

What do his comments mean?

While a media-trained player is obviously never going to say he wants out, the fact that the 27-year-old states he is clearly happy at Brighton and Hove Albion and only recently signed a new long-term deal to stay at the Amex Stadium speaks volumes and probably tells you all you need to know.

The Seagulls would likely demand a high fee even if Saints did try and sign the attack-minded midfielder, and the player himself would surely be happy to stay at a club where he is guaranteed regular football – something that is certainly not guaranteed at either Liverpool or Southampton given the wealth of midfield options both currently have.

It is certainly an early blow for Hasenhuttl though, who may now need to go back to the drawing board if he does indeed want to strengthen in that particular position in the New Year.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare's rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window...