Brighton line up former star to replace De Zerbi after he was spotted in box days after being sacked by EFL side

ADAM LALLANA has called for Brighton fans to be patient with Roberto De Zerbi’s successor - as the club have “extremely overachieved” in recent years.

Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United was De Zerbi’s last game in charge after the Italian decided to call it quits after failing to agree on the club’s vision going forward.

That was despite having no job offers lined up and still having two years remaining on his contract.

It was also the final Seagulls appearance for Lallana, who has left after four years with the South-Coast side which saw the team play in Europe for the first time ever.

The former Liverpool and England star, 36, said: “I’m gutted we couldn’t give Roberto the send-off he deserves for everything he’s done at this football club.

“It’s important that the fans stay patient with whoever the new manager is.

“I think Brighton have extremely overachieved in the last couple of years. Roberto is a huge part of that.

“It’s important as a football club that we say thanks to him because he was the gold-dust on top, in my opinion, that got us to Europe, that got us to creating history here.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate that our paths crossed in the last couple of years and I’m forever grateful for that.”

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is among the names in the frame to take over from De Zerbi.

Brighton finished 11th but have a number of exciting young players including Valentin Barco, Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra on their books.

Asked what state the Seagulls are currently in, Lallana replied: “Extremely good.

“You only have to look at the numbers, the turnover, the young talent that is out there. Of course they will have blips in the road but it’s an extremely well-run football club. They’ll bounce back next year for sure.

“It’s such a wonderful job for whoever is fortunate enough to take it.”