All the latest team and transfer news for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has time on his side, according to former Arsenal star Lauren.
Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but remained at the Amex Stadium, for another transfer window at least.
United's interest in the Cameroon international arrived late in the window but Brighton's £100m-plus valuation put them off, for the time being.
Baleba, 20, has started the first three matches of Brighton's Premier League campaign but was benched for Albion's 2-1 loss at Bournemouth last Saturday.
His form and fitness has dipped from last season's standards and Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler admits the transfer speculation did get to his star man.
Lauren, who made 159 appearances for Arsenal and 24 for Cameroon, feels Brighton is the right place for his countryman at the moment.
Brighton is best for Baleba
“It's a good decision that Baleba has stayed at Brighton. One more year and he can prove himself," said the former right back to Aceodds
"Sometimes you get youngsters who play well one year and then you have to see the development in the following year. If the following year, they keep performing the same way, then you know that he's the real deal.
“Sometimes you play very well in the first season and then you go down. In my opinion, the best decision for Baleba was to stay at Brighton and he did that.”
Baleba back for Tottenham
Hurzeler will hope to get Baleba back to his best, starting this Saturday against Thomas Frank’s Tottenham at the Amex Stadium. The former Lille man is contracted with Albion until 2028 and the club are believed to have an option for a further year.
Lauren added: “You don't have to rush with Baleba and his potential. With a youngster you have to let him grow. Don't put too much pressure on him. Just let him play.
“It's like with Max Dowman, don't put too much pressure or start making comparisons.
"You let the boys perform and feel free to express themselves. From there, you see what's going to happen.”
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