'The club has to make a decision' - Graham Potter makes worrying Yves Bissouma transfer claim as contract ticks down

Bissouma, 25, returned to the starting XI after his time away with Mali at the AFCON.

The midfielder delivered a powerful display and hauled Albion back into the cup tie when he drove into the box and made it 2-1 with a deflected effort in the second half.

It was reward for an impressive performance against a well-drilled Tottenham midfield and underlined why the Mali international was the subject of much transfer speculation last month.

Liverpool, Manchester Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have all registered their interest in the £40m rated player, who will have just 12 months remaining on contract this summer.

Brighton have played well in his absence and achieved some impressive results of late but head coach Graham Potter admits Bissouma adds an extra dimension to their play.

"He does [change the way we play]," said Potter. "He is an important player for us and it looks like he is enjoying his football with us.

"Second half he had a lot of impressive actions. Every player has their own attributes.

"Yves has his and he has that ability to drive away from people. That makes him the player he is."

Asked if Bissouma finds it difficult as some Albion may not be on the same level as him, Potter added: "As a coach you can't expect to have 11 Bissoumas.

"You have to appreciate everyone's quality and work with that. We have improved as a team but tonight we were not good enough."

Potter is well versed in dealing with speculation on his star man and will no doubt face further questions as his contract ticks down.

"Absolutely (it is important to keep Bissouma) I have spoken about this a lot and there is always speculation.

"As a club we are quite strong we don't have to sell anybody but we also know selling players helps us improve as a club.

"It is important he is with us and he is enjoying his football. While he is doing that it is great for us and good for him."