Roberto De Zerbi has urged Brighton owner Tony Bloom to renew Adam Lallana's contract amid fears the injured midfielder may not play again this season.
Former England international Lallana has missed Albion's past four games after sitting out Saturday's 1-0 Premier League loss to Fulham due to a leg issue sustained in last month's 2-2 draw at Leicester.
With the problem worse than initially thought, the 34-year-old could already have made his final Albion appearance as his existing deal expires this summer.
Yet, despite the fitness concerns, head coach De Zerbi is determined to retain a player he regards as influential on and off the pitch.