Swansea City have turned down an approach from Brighton to speak with manager Graham Potter, WalesOnline understands.
The Seagulls sacked Chris Hughton on Monday morning, and Potter was installed as the early favourite with bookmakers to be named as his replacement.
Potter is at the top of Brighton's shortlist, which is also thought to include former Manchester United and Everton man Phil Neville, current head coach of the England Women's team.
The Swans had been bracing themselves for an approach from the south coast club.
But it's understood that they have refused to give the green light for Brighton to hold formal talks with Potter having rejected an initial approach from the club.
The Swans are loathe to see Potter depart and will do all - within reason - in their power to keep him at SA1.
Swansea City star's cryptic tweet has left fans concerned amid Brighton interest in Graham Potter
However, they do accept Premier League outfit Brighton could potentially offer the 43-year-old a deal that would prove too good to turn down.
Potter guided the Swans to 10th place in his debut campaign in the Championship while also taking the club to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
He still has two years remaining on his current deal with the Swans after moving to South Wales from Sweden last summer.
