Brighton chief responds to Tariq Lamptey contract talk amid Atletico Madrid transfer link

Brighton's impressive 20-year-old Tariq Lamptey

Lamptey, 20, has made a blistering start to his Premier League career and capped another excellent display at Tottenham last Sunday with his first goal for the club.

The former Chelsea man was a menace to the Spurs defence all evening and hauled Albion level on the night when he calmly slotted home in the second half after a fine assist from Pascal Gross.

Unfortunately for the Seagulls, Tottenham's second half substitute Gareth Bale stole all three points for the hosts when his well-placed header secured a 2-1 win.

Despite the painful result, Lamptey was once again one of the best players on the pitch, as he has been since Potter handed him his Brighton debut at Leicester towards the end of last season.

The wing back played a huge role in helping Albion maintain their top flight status and he has started the new campaign in the same classy manner.

His pace and skill cause huge problems for defenders and he is currently the most fouled player in the Premier League. He was also shortlisted for the Premier League September player of the month award.

But what has also impressed is his calmness and his ability to pick the right pass or the right finish at vital moments - an unusual quality for a player his age and of his speed.

It has not gone unnoticed as Wayne Rooney recently highlighted Lamptey as a player Man United should sign, while Bayern Munich, Seville and now Atletico Madrid are all said to be keen on the England under-21 international.

Lamptey joined the Seagulls for just £3m from Chelsea last January and his current contract runs until June 2023.

"We have been delighted with Tariq," said Potter when asked if the club are readying a new contract for Lamptey. "It is great to see a young player like him come in and grasp the opportunity.

"He fits in really well with our club and our team. There are a lot of young players making their starts in Premier League football and it is important to have role models like him.

"We have an environment for someone like him to come and enjoy their football. That's what we want for Tariq and everything else takes care of itself.

"The most important thing is that we create an environment that he wants to be part of and that he enjoys his football. Then his quality will show through."

Lamptey will hope to be back in action for Brighton this Friday as Albion welcome struggling Burnley to the Amex Stadium.