Brighton and Hove Albion are in a great position to finally put last season's heartbreak behind them and win promotion to the Premier League.

Last season, Brighton missed out on automatic promotion at the expense of Middlesbrough because of goal difference.

Then they were defeated in the play-off semi-final by eventual runners-up Sheffield Wednesday to consign them to another year in the second tier.

But Chris Hughton's side managed to keep most of their star players, such as Lewis Dunk, Dale Stephens and Anthony Knockaert, as well as adding some crucial first team players, such as Shane Duffy and Glenn Murray.

The Seagulls have bounced back stronger and they have a six point gap over third placed Huddersfield Town as we enter the final eight games.

Looking ahead to next season, Brighton will need to strengthen to survive if they go up.

Although they do not have the biggest budget in the world, they could look to snatch some Championship stars to boost their cause.

Here are 3 Championship players who Brighton should look at if they go up.

Ivo Pinto

Brighton's current right back is Bruno, who is defying age and still turning in impressive performances.

However, the Spanish veteran is not going to be around for much longer so they could start looking at other right backs.

Ivo Pinto of Norwich would be a good shout and he is a similar type of player to Bruno as he wears his heart on his sleeve with passionate displays.

Britt Assombalonga

Brighton have a few decent strikers in Glenn Murray, Sam Baldock and Tomer Hemed but they might need another to strengthen their attacking options.

Nottingham Forest's Britt Assombalonga could be a gamble worth taking.

When fit and firing, he is easily one of the best strikers in the Championship but he needs to shrug off his persistent injury woes if he is to earn a top flight transfer.

Charlie Taylor

One of Brighton's problem positions over the past few years has been left back.

Charlie Taylor of Leeds would be an ideal capture if Leeds do not go up as he is desperate to play in the top flight and his contract runs out in the summer.

The 23-year-old is young, attack-minded and a good defender too, which makes him a well-rounded left back that Brighton could get for free if Leeds stay in the Championship and he doesn't sign a new deal.