LuaLua has made 13 appearances for Newcastle's first team

Brighton manager Gus Poyet has admitted he wants to keep Newcastle United loanee Kazenga LuaLua but a deal to keep the winger is out of his hands.

The 19-year-old joined the League One side in August for his second spell at the club, but is set to return to the Magpies in January.

Poyet told BBC Sussex: "We can not control that. It's very difficult for us to lose him, really tough.

"We've got a point and need to prove it to Newcastle. I hope we can sort it."

LuaLua, who is the brother of former Newcastle and Portsmouth striker Lomana, has been a vital part of Brighton's recent success, scoring four goals in eight appearances this season.

Poyet added: "You can see his reaction. He's coming to the bench to celebrate goals.

"He looks happy even when he's not playing. He wants to be here. But I don't want to go ahead two months."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version