Chelsea hunt for Brighton defender threatens to derail Leeds, White move

Chelsea are targeting a move for Brighton captain Lewis Dunk which could threaten to end Leeds’ chances of signing Ben White, according to a report.

Leeds are reportedly plotting a permanent move for Seagulls loanee White after his impressive spell at Elland Road.

The 22-year-old featured in all 46 Championship games this season as Marcelo Bielsa’s side secured promotion.

With White returning to the south coast and Brighton signing Ajax’s Joel Veltman, chairman Tony Bloom has admitted that his side now have an “abundance” of centre-backs.

What’s more, Bloom insisted that the club are working on trimming their squad down as they prepare for the new season.

However, according to Football Insider, White could stay if Chelsea succeed with a move for Dunk.

Blues boss Frank Lampard is after a “proven centre-back” to add to his defence, amid the recent focus on attacking targets.

Chelsea have signed forwards Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with Lampard now wanting to add to his defence amid uncertainty over the likes of Andreas Christensen.

Should Chelsea succeed with a move for Dunk, Football Insider adds that Leeds believe they “do not expect to have any chance” of landing White.

Brighton would then draft White in as a direct replacement for Dunk.

Dunk, 28, has proved a fantastic servant to Brighton since joining in 2013. He took on the captain’s armband last season after playing all 38 Premier League games and helping the Seagulls avoid relegation.

This season, he only missed two league games and chipped in with three goals and three assists. At 6ft 3in, Dunk would provide vital height in the Chelsea defence.

LAMPARD ‘FRUSTRATED’ BY GOALKEEPER HUNT?

Meanwhile, Lampard is also reportedly trying to remedy his goalkeeping situation.

The Blues boss is not keen on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who signed in 2018 as the world’s most expensive player in his position.

One of the targets supposedly on Chelsea’s radar is Dean Henderson, who has returned to Manchester United.

However, the Red Devils have reportedly left Lampard “frustrated” after reaching a breakthrough in contract talks.

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