Leeds United head coach Steve Evans feels that current league standings are the only reason Liam Bridcutt could possibly choose Brighton ahead of the Whites.
Evans pulled out all the stops to take Bridcutt to Elland Road on loan from Sunderland and the midfielder is at the club until the start of January.
There is a draft agreement between all parties for the loan to be extended until the end of the campaign if everyone is happy with the situation, but of late Championship league leaders Brighton have been linked with moving to sign Bridcutt on a permanent basis in the new year.
Evans has heard the rumours, but insists that current league standings could be the only possible reason for Bridcutt leaving Elland Road.
"I've always said we have a commitment on all sides for Liam to be extended and should something permanent change that then we have to respect that. But it's not just Liam Bridcutt who made us good on Saturday [against Hull] and it's not just Liam that would be the person who could do that role", he told a press conference.
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"But I love the kid and I'm hope that if he has a choice between Leeds and the league leaders – it's only the fact they are top of the league would make him choose the league leaders, for every other statistic on the planet he would choose Leeds United.
"I'm still hoping that would be at the front of his mind. He's certainly intimated to me he wants to be around here.
"So I will listen to Liam and the people round here rather than watch the television", the Scott added.
Evans is a firm fan of Bridcutt and has tipped the midfielder to quickly establish himself as the best player in the Championship in the coming weeks.
Bridcutt counts Brighton amongst his former clubs.
