Brighton express interest in Stephen Ward but no offers for Wolves' Kevin Doyle

It's understood the Seagulls aren't prepared to pay Ward's full wages of around £13,000-a-week after shelling out £10,000-a-week of his salary during his season-long loan spell.

Brighton have the biggest average crowds in the Championship but have a strict wage structure which sees them far from being the most generous payers in the second tier.

But with Wolves eager to sell and Ward – who is due back in pre-season training a week today - keen to extend his stay on the south coast, it's a question of whether the shortfall can be made up.

QPR were interested in Doyle, who spent the last four months of the season on loan at Loftus Road, but haven't returned to Wolves with an offer.

"There has been some contact with Jez – Brighton have been in touch during the course of the summer," said Jackett.

"It's dovetailed with them appointing a new manager.

"A deal hasn't been agreed but they've been in touch.

"Stephen and Kevin are due back next Monday having played their last international in New York on June 11 or 12.

"I haven't spoken to them but there has been contact from Brighton through the summer about Ward.

"There has been no contact from QPR or anybody on Doyle."

Regarding Ward, Jackett added: "Nothing has been agreed so there's enough of a distance for a deal not to have been done yet.

"But at least there has been some contact. They've expressed an interest through the summer.

"Stephen had a good year last season and I'm sure he'll be looking to build on it.

"He's said publicly he'd like to stay at Brighton. I'll see him next week and talk to him."

Jackett, meanwhile, has ruled out a move for another left-back to challenge first choice Scott Golbourne.

Wolves have been linked with freed Crystal Palace defender Dean Moxey and also promising Doncaster youngster Jamie Husband.

But the head coach said: "We're not looking (at left-backs).

"Sam Ricketts and Tommy Rowe can play there, so it's not something we're looking to do.

"Moxey is good is but we're not necessarily looking for somebody to cover."