Standard Liege boss Ivan Leko says he is hopeful Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Steven Alzate will stay with the club until the conclusion of the season.
The Croatian has spoken with DH Les Sports on the circumstances at the club and around Alzate, where he recently returned from a stint in England.
The midfielder has been on loan at the Belgian club since the summer, after his previous year’s loan term was extended after the first season was cut short due to injuries.
He’s been an important player for them this season, but he recently returned to Brighton for treatment on his current injury.
While he was back in England, there was ongoing speculation that Brighton were aiming to relocate him permanently, preferring to sell the midfielder this month rather than lose him on a free transfer in the summer when his contract ends.
As a result, they were selling Alzate throughout Europe, presenting it to various sides in the hopes that someone would bite.
That raised concerns at Standard that they would lose their important player at an awkward period of the season, however they were alleviated when he returned to Standard this week.
For the time being, it looks he will stay put, as Leko believes Brighton has yet to find a suitor.
“His club had touches to sell him but that no longer seems relevant,” he went on to say.
“So, yes, I hope Steven will still be present on February 1st.” He suffered a severe injury, and we will work with the medical professionals to get him ready as quickly as possible. Saturday’s contest may be approaching rapidly.”
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