Brighton target Clarets defender Ward

The Republic of Ireland left back made 47 appearances on loan from Wolves for the Seagulls in 2013-14, and was all set for a permanent switch to the Amex Stadium last summer, before a last-gasp u-turn following interest from Burnley.

Ward agreed a three-year deal with the Clarets, but made only 15 appearances as Ben Mee started and finished the season at left back, either side of the former Bohemians man suffering a broken foot against Newcastle United in December, which put him on the sidelines for three months.

The 29-year-old has subsequently lost his place in Eire’s starting line-up, with Hull City’s Robbie Brady preferred last weekend for the 1-1 draw with Scotland, and Brighton are understood to be keen to take him back to the South Coast.

However, as Sean Dyche said in relation to Derby interest in skipper Jason Shackell: “Everyone is under contract, we’re in a way different position than we were two and a half years ago, and there’ll be no point teams bidding for our players - it will be us that decides who goes out.

“It won’t be a case of clubs bidding and they just go.

“We’re too powerful now in the market.

“The only thing that will change is if I decide that changes.”