De Zerbi 'would love to STAY' at Brighton amid interest from Chelsea & Bayern

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed he would 'love' to stay at Brighton after months of speculation about his future - and could even remain for 20 years.

The Italian has spoken briefly with owner Tony Bloom and is planning for more discussions over his future.

He has been linked with some of the biggest jobs in Europe, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Liverpool in recent months.

'We're going to speak with Tony [Bloom]. I think I would like to stay in Brighton because I love my players. I love this city. I love my club, my fans,' De Zerbi said.

'I said in the meeting with the fans, if I'm happy, there isn't any club can bring myself to change a team but I want to keep my passion always.'

While not as shiny as their sixth-placed finish last year, De Zerbi has still led Brighton to a respectable season as they sit 12th in the Premier League.

They also reached the last 16 of the Europa League on their continental debut but were dumped out 4-1 on aggregate by Roma.

De Zerbi's overachievement with the club fuelled speculation about an exit, as did his comment in February that he was 'not close' to signing a new deal. His current one runs until 2026.

Brief discussions have already been held but he wants more extended conversations with Bloom.

De Zerbi said: 'We spoke for not a long time, 20 minutes, but we spoke, one week ago. I have nothing against Tony. I am used to saying the truth and the truth is difficult to accept.

'When I said this season can be important for the improvement for everyone, starting from the owner, maybe you understood it in a different way. It wasn't polemical (controversial), it was what I thought in that moment.

'It was to improve, because when I work in one club I feel the work as