Manchester City youngster Gai Assulin believes that Brighton & Hove Albion play a similar style of football to Barcelona.

The 20-year-old, who has played four times during his loan spell on the south coast, joined City in 2010 after spending his early footballing years with the reigning European champions.

Speaking to El Mundo Deportivo, he said: "Brighton try to apply Poyet's experience and I think his philosophy is similar to what you learn at Barcelona.

"The movement, the passing, covering spaces, attacking and creating chances."

Assulin is set to return to the Etihad after Saturday's game with Blackpool, but manager Gus Poyet is hopeful the deal can be extended.

The Uruguayan told The Argus: "I think we have got a great chance to keep him but everybody needs to be happy, the player, Man City and us, so we'll see. We will sort it out this week."

Fellow Man City youngster and Brighton loanee Abdul Razak had revealed that it was the Seagulls' style of play which had convinced him to join the club last month.