All the latest transfer news and gossip for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League
Lewis Dunk was given permission to leave Brighton in the previous transfer window but the skipper rejected a move to Nottingham Forest - according to reports.
Dunk, 34, has made more than 500 appearances for his hometown club and represented Albion through League One, the Championship and the Premier League.
He remains a vital part of Fabian Hurzeler's first team with 24 appearances this term, starting 23.
It was widely reported last month that Nottingham Forest made their move for Dunk and it was rejected by the club.
However, Mail Online chief sports reporter Mike Keegan exclusively reports that Brighton did in fact accept the bid from Forest but it was Dunk who rejected the move.
Dunk has legendary status at Brighton and the captain was critical of his players after last Sunday's painful 1-0 home defeat to old rivals Crystal Palace. It saw Brighton slide to 14th in the Premier League.
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The fact that Brighton allowed Dunk the chance to speak to Forest is probably not as alarming as it first sounds. Brighton tend to have an open policy where players are made aware of any moves for them. A first team regular leaving in January would though have been highly unusual for Brighton.
Either way, clearly Dunk did not want to go, despite Keegan's report stating that the deal "included a ‘significant pay rise’ and a contract to 2028."
Dunk is currently contracted with the Seagulls until June 2027. He and Jan Paul van Hecke are the first choice centre back pairing with Igor Julio and Olivier Boscagli the challengers.
Experienced defender Adam Webster is injured at the moment and Italian international Doiego Coppola is on loan at Paris FC. Brighton also tried to sign England under-21 international centre back Charlie Cresswell last month. Their £20m bid for Cresswell was rejected by Toulouse.
Centre back is an of concern for Brighton as Dunk's future this summer looks uncertain and Van Hecke is wanted by Tottenham and Newcastle.
Whether Boscagli and Coppola are ready to be the first choice pairing is up for debate.
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