Brighton & Hove Albion assistant manager Nathan Jones has insisted that the club are eager to keep Lewis Dunk for many years.

Dunk, who missed the end of last season before being cleared of sexual assault, spent time on loan at Bristol City earlier this season but is now back in the first-team squad after being a regular under former manager Gus Poyet.

"I remember Gus picking him out from a young age and rated him and played him. Gus had a lot of faith in him, we have as well," Jones told the Argus.

"Lewis has had certain issues in terms of a year which he probably missed mentally. Now we've asked him, we've spoke to him, we are looking at him for a long-term future here."

Dunk made his debut for Brighton in May 2010.