Brighton look set to gain promotion to the Premier League as they sit second in the Championship table, just a single point behind Newcastle United.

One of the reasons why Brighton are in the driving seat for automatic promotion, is because of the quality of Brighton's recruitment over the past two seasons.

As the quality of Brighton's squad has improved, some players have found themselves on the peripheries of the squad.

These players have had to leave the club on loan in search of regular first team football.

With preparations for next season already underway, Chris Hughton may be making plans with an idea of what Brighton's squad will look like next season.

If Brighton do gain promotion to the Premier League, Hughton will need to make decisions about the players he currently has on loan at the club and those who are currently out on loan.

FLW writer Elliott Wheat-Bowen looks at THREE Brighton stars, Chris Hughton needs to make a decision about in the summer....

 

Elvis Manu

After being tipped as one of hottest prospects in Holland after his blistering form at Feyernoord, Elvis Manu has struggled to replicate that form since joining Brighton & Hove Albion.

Having made just fourteen appearances for Brighton in two seasons, Elvis Manu has also struggled to impress Chris Hughton when he has been given the opportunity.

Instead, Manu has spent two loan spells away from Brighton, one at Championship side Huddersfield Town and the other at Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles.

Since making the switch back to Holland, Elvis Manu has impressed scoring twice in just eight Eredivisie appearances for Go Ahead Eagles.

In the summer, Chris Hughton will have a decision to make to either allow Manu to leave on a permanent basis or if it would be wiser to keep Manu at the club.

Sebastien Pocognoli

Since joining Brighton & Hove Albion on loan from Premier League side West Bromwich Albion, Sebastien Pocognoli has had a new lease of life.

After struggling to break into West Brom's starting line-up, the 29-year-old defender has played an important role in Chris Hughton's side.

The Belgian international has made fifteen appearances in the Championship due first choice left-back Gaëtan Bong suffering from a number of injuries.

With only 22-year-old left back Sam Adekugbe as cover, Pocognoli's role as a stop gap in defence has meant that he has played his part in Brighton's push for automatic promotion.

Considering Sebastien Pocognoli's experience in the Premier League, the vastly experienced left-back could be an astute signing for Brighton to make.

Chris Hughton will have a decision in the summer to make, whether to retain Sebastien Pocognoli and sign him on a permanent basis or to allow him to return to West Brom.

 

Kazenga LuaLua

After joining Brighton from Newcastle United, Kazenga LuaLua has been a loyal servant for the club, having made over 150 appearances for the Seagulls.

However, as Brighton's ambitions have grown and the quality of Brighton's squad has improved, Kazenga LuaLua's place in the side has become increasingly under threat.

As Brighton's squad has strengthened, Kazenga LuaLua has fallen down the pecking order behind Brighton's foray of wide options which includes Jiri Skalak, Solly March, Anthony Knockaert and Jamie Murphy.

With Chris Hughton using the 26-year-old winger increasingly sparingly, Kazenga LuaLua joined Queens Park Rangers on loan in search of regular first team football.

In the summer, as Kazenga LuaLua will be entering the final year of his contract at Brighton, Chris Hughton will have a decision to make.

Either to cash in on the winger or retain him at the club for another season.