Brighton chief Paul Barber has warned clubs interested in manager Roberto de Zerbi.

The Italian's agent has been in Barcelona this month for talks with Blaugrana directors.

De Zerbi told BBC Sport: "We want Roberto to stay with us as long as possible. He is doing a great job and we are counting on him for the future.

"It is not a special science to figure out that when one does well at their job, the more they will be linked to other bigger clubs that play higher level competitions. But we are also clear that Brighton is a club attractive enough to keep the players and staff that work there.

"We must get rid of the image that we are a club that feeds other bigger clubs. We are doing things well and we remain humble, but we know where we are going. That is an attraction for people to come and work with us and for those who are there to want to stay for many years.

"When we are competing among the top six or seven of the Premier, we are playing in the round of 16 of the Europa League and we are fighting for the FA Cup, we are operating at high levels. We offer a competitive package to the people who are with us and that is to be valued."