Crystal Palace have tabled an opening £5m bid for Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, according to reports.

Alan Pardew is said to be a huge admirer of the 24-year-old, who is rated as one of the finest defenders in the Championship.

Dunk’s performances for Brighton attracted the attention of multiple Premier League clubs with Everton also tracking the centre-back.

However, the Daily Mirror say Palace have stolen a march on their top-flight rivals with a £5m bid.

It is claimed that the offer may well be unsuccessful, though, with the Seagulls hoping to attract more than double that figure.

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