Brighton fans will love Adam Lallana’s honest answer about boss Roberto De Zerbi’s future

Brighton star Adam Lallana has waxed lyrical over 'honest' Roberto De Zerbi — but conceded he will eventually move to manage a 'top team'.

The 44-year-old has earned rave reviews at the Amex Stadium since replacing Graham Potter in September 22.

He guided the Seagulls to a sixth-placed position in the Premier League to secure a first European campaign for the club.

And this season, he has ensured that the south coast outfit finished top of their Europa League group to seal their spot in the last-16.

His attractive style of play has seen him linked with Real Madrid and Manchester City, while he could be an option for Manchester United should Erik ten Hag be dismissed.

It's no surprise to Lallana that the Italian has plenty of admirers, but the former Liverpool midfielder insists that De Zerbi is happy at Brighton.

The ex-Southampton maestro also stated how his manager's humble beginnings from coaching in the Italian fourth-tier keeps his grounded.

Speaking to talkSPORT on the latest episode of the Outspoken with White & Jordan podcast, Lallana said of De Zerbi: «It’s not even a question, that the interest is already happening.

“Brighton are not naive enough to be blindsided by that, but I think Roberto is that honest and up front, that I’m not sure he wants that at the minute.

“He understands as well what a group he’s got here, without egos and without no political games from players.

“I think part of him thinks that if he goes elsewhere, he’s not going to get a group as good as what he’s got here.

“But for a manager to think like that, that’s rare. Usually manages want to jump ship and want to go where there’s more money involved or bigger transfer budgets or whatever.

“But Roberto’s that genuine. He started with nothing in the