Reported £40m asking price likely knocks Aston Villa out of running for Lewis Dunk

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Brighton have set an asking price of £40 million on the head of central defender Lewis Dunk this summer, according to the Sun.

The report says that Leicester City are interested in the 27-year-old as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire, who is attracting attention once more from both the Manchester clubs.

And the windfall the Foxes would likely get for the England international has emboldened Brighton to demand a huge fee if Dunk is to be the man to replace him.

But Aston Villa were also linked by the Sun last month with an interest in Dunk as they look to bolster their central defensive options ahead of their return to the big-time.

Dunk always appeared an ambitious target for a newly-promoted side, but there must be concerns around how Brighton will get on this season.

They slumped last season under Chris Hughton and new manager Graham Potter’s appointment could go either way – while Villa are spending ambitiously.

But £40 million would be a huge amount for a newly-promoted side to pay, especially for a defender, and that asking price should see Villa pursue other targets who offer greater value.

That asking price really should make Leicester the only realistic contender, by using a large chunk of the expected Maguire money. If Maguire doesn’t leave, Dunk should be staying put.