£45m English international is ready to snub Chelsea staying at his current club

Chelsea’s search for defensive reinforcements have taken a hit after news coming out that Brighton center-back Lewis Dunk will stay at Brighton.

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard needs to bolster his defense before the start of a new season He’s particularly been looking for a defender who can exhibit the leadership quality which has been found lacking in his young side. Dunk fits in like a glove.

However, a source for media outlet The Argus claims that there is a “95 percent chance” of Dunk remaining at Brighton next season.

The Argus added that Chelsea may need to pay as much as £45m if they are to persuade Brighton to allow the defender to leave for Stamford Bridge.

Lewis Dunk played 36 games for his team in the Premier League this season suggesting his reliability. He is the club’s third-highest goalscorer and is a constant threat in set-piece situations.

Dunk is a Chelsea supporter and is aware that Lampard is trying to overhaul his defense this summer.

This could be the last realistic chance for Dunk to join his dream club, Chelsea, with him turning 29 in November, as Lampard is known to prefer young players for his side.

Dunk is accompanied by Dan Burn, Shane Duffy and Adam Webster as other center-back options. Ben White, who was on loan at Leeds United comes back to Brighton as well. Dunk should seriously look elsewhere than Brighton to end his career at joining Chelsea.

However, there seem to be conflicting messages on the likelihood of Dunk making the move to Chelsea, with media sources seemingly pouring cold water on the move and some sources offering odds to suggest that it is a discernible possibility.