Brighton boss Chris Hughton's is battling to save his job - even if they avoid the drop.

The Sun says Seagulls chiefs are increasingly concerned by their woeful form since the turn of the year.

Tuesday night's 2-0 loss against 18th-placed Cardiff left them just two points off the relegation zone.

Club big-wigs are now discussing if a change is needed.

Boss Hughton's cause is not helped by dressing-room concern over his negative tactics.

He is believed to have ignored pleas from senior stars to adopt a more attack-minded approach before Saturday's 5-0 home drubbing by Bournemouth.

And a source said: “The players wanted Chris to release the shackles.

“He said 'No' because he wanted to keep playing the way that has proved successful in the past."