HITC Sport understands Brighton midfielder is at loggerheads with club over move speculation.
Dale Stephens celebrates after scoring the first goal for Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Dale Stephens refused to play in Saturday’s draw at Reading, amid speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, sources close to the club have told HITC Sport.
Stephens has been targeted by Burnley and Crystal Palace this summer with Brighton rejecting several bids for the midfielder.
Stephens is regarded as one of the best midfielders outside the Premier League after impressing for Brighton over the last couple of seasons.
Brighton’s Dale Stephens celebrates after he scores their first goal
The former Charlton star was almost an ever-present for Brighton last season in the Championship as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
Stephens missed the start of the season as he served a ban carried over from last season and he has made just two appearances so far this term.
Dale Stephens celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal for Brighton
The midfielder was set to feature against Reading at the weekend, but sources have told HITC Sport that Stephens refused to be considered for action due to the ongoing speculation over his future.
Stephens is in the final year of his contract at Brighton and with the transfer window due to close next week his suitors are expected to come back with new offers for the player.
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