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Report: Brighton will reject all offers for Lewis Dunk; Southampton rate him

Southampton's Jose Fonte arrives for training (REUTERS)
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Southampton are said to have taken a fancy to the Brighton & Hove Albion star.

Brighton & Hove Albion will reject all offers for Lewis Dunk, according to a report on page 51 of Monday’s Sun newspaper.

It is claimed Southampton rate the 25-year-old centre-back, who has been an essential member of the Seagulls’ promotion-chasing side.

Brighton currently boast the Championship’s meanest defence, conceding just 18 goals in 26 Championship matches this season – of which Dunk has featured in all but two.

The homegrown star missed last week’s defeat to Preston through suspension, but returned for Friday’s 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday, which temporarily restored Chris Hughton’s men to the top of the table despite Dunk’s unfortunate own goal.

Brighton's Lewis Dunk in action with Sheffield Wednesday's Steven FletcherBrighton’s Lewis Dunk makes a tackle

Southampton sold captain Jose Fonte to West Ham United on Friday and it would be little surprise if Dunk was considered as a replacement for the Portugal international.

However, it appears the Saints will struggle to lure the former England Under-21 call-up, especially if Brighton maintain their impressive form.

The Sun reported on Saturday that another Football League star, Barnsley full-back James Bree, was attracting interest from Claude Puel’s side.

Barnsley's James Bree (L) in action with Fleetwood Town's David HenenBarnsley’s James Bree makes a tackle

However, it looks as though the 19-year-old is bound for Aston Villa instead.

Should Dunk quit Brighton to join Southampton?