Chelsea quoted price to sign Premier League defender

Chelsea have reportedly been told by Brighton & Hove Albion that they will need to come up with a package of around £50m in order to sign Lewis Dunk during the current transfer window.

The Blues have fared impressively throughout the current season and despite their recent struggles in the Premier League, they continue to remain in the fourth spot with a five-point advantage over Manchester United.

According to The Times, the west London giants are looking at the prospect of signing an experienced centre-back despite the fact that they have four senior options at their disposal.

Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen have been rotated at the heart of the defence this term but manager Frank Lampard still seems keen on another central defender, given the club have struggled to restrict the opposition from scoring on most occasions.

The same outlet states that Brighton captain Dunk has been earmarked as the prime target to fulfil their requirement but he won't come on the cheap with the Seagulls reluctant to accept anything less than £50m for the sale of the England international.

Dunk has been with the Seagulls throughout his professional career. He has been a regular starter for the club since the 2014/15 season and has only missed games due to either suspension or minor injuries.