Joe Bennett keen to stay with Brighton & Hove Albion

Joe Bennett has suggested that he would be keen to turn his loan at Brighton & Hove Albion into a permanent switch in the summer.

The 24-year-old left-back has made 21 appearances for the Seagulls this season and is hopeful that a deal can be agreed with parent club Aston Villa.

However, Bennett has admitted that the ball is in Brighton's court as the club tend to favour loan business.

He told the club's official website: "I think it is a possibility if everything goes to plan. I'm not sure if the manager wants a permanent left back, but he probably does.

"They had a couple of loans in my position in the past like Wayne Bridge and Stephen Ward. I'll need to have a chat with the club at the end of the season to see what they want and what Aston Villa want me to do.

"If they want to keep me, I've said that I've got another year left [on a contract at Aston Villa] so there might be a fee involved. I'll keep my options open, but I think there is a possibility that I can come here permanently."

Bennett has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Villa since joining from Middlesbrough in 2012.