Chelsea blow as Lewis Dunk signs new five-year Brighton contract amid Blues transfer speculation
Posted Saturday, August 22, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk
LEWIS DUNK has committed his future to Brighton ending any speculation of a transfer to Chelsea.
The 28-year-old centre-half was on the list of Blues targets as they search for reinforcement in defence.
Lewis Dunk has committed his future to Brighton
It is understood Chelsea held talks with the player but Brighton were demanding £50million.
But it appears Dunk is happy to remain on the South Coast after extending his contract by another five years.
He said: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract.
“The aim now is to build on a record Premier League season and help the club continue its recent progress over the next five years.”
Chelsea have already brought in playmaker Hakim Ziyech, 27, and striker Timo Werner, 24, ahead of the new season.
They are also in the final stages of agreeing a fee with Bayer Leverkusen for Kai Havertz, with a contract already in place with the 21-year-old.
Lampard will then focus his efforts on strengthening at the back, with a centre-half and left-back the priority.
Dunk's contract extension with the Seagulls comes as PSG captain Thiago Silva, 36, reportedly entered "advanced negotiations" with Chelsea.
West Ham's Declan Rice is another of Lampard's targets.
But the Hammers are demanding £80m for the 21-year-old who has predominantly played as a midfielder during his senior career.
Brighton's' Ben White and Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli are other targets linked with the Blues.
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