Fabian Hurzeler is “very confident” Matt O’Riley will remain an [Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/) player beyond the transfer deadline.
The Seagulls head coach offered that two-word reply when asked about the midfielder’s continued future with the Seagulls at his press conference on Thursday morning.
The line of questioning was not pursued.
While stopping short of the “very, very, very confident” he offered when asked about Carlos Baleba the previous week, it was still a clear message from Hurzeler.
O’Riley has started in an attacking midfield or No.10 role throughout pre-season and in the campaign-opener at home to Fulham.
He told The Argus after the latter match that he did not know why he had been intermittently linked with interest from Serie A this summer.
That has not ceased as yet with Gazzetta Dello Sport reporting that Juventus general manager Damien Comolli “will attempt to bring him on loan in the final days of the transfer window”.
O’Riley says he has spoken to Hurzeler to offer some assurance.
He said: “I think he's obviously naturally got trust in me just because he's seen the rhythm I've had in pre-season, which is great. That's great for me.
“I also did go up to him in pre-season just to reiterate the fact that I'm here as a Brighton player and I want to help the team as much as possible just because I was aware there was a lot of noise around me and I think that helps just settle the situation in general.”