A high five for talented Dunk
PAUL CLEMENT says Swansea have already moved on from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s departure.
The creative midfielder finally completed his £45million move to Everton on Wednesday and Swans manager Clement, right, said: “It’s good for everybody that the deal has been done. No one is irreplaceable. With the funds we have we can strengthen the squad and become a better team.” BRIGHTON yesterday gave Lewis Dunk a huge vote of confidence following an own-goal on his Premier League debut.
Dunk, 25, was handed a new five-year contract and an England endorsement from manager Chris Hughton as Brighton tied down three key men to long-term deals five days after their 2-0 opening-day defeat at home to Manchester City.
Anthony Knockaert, 25, the 2016-17 Championship player of the season, also signed for another five years and Ireland defender Shane Duffy, 25, for four.
The Seagulls turned down big bids for Brighton-born Dunk in each of the past two summer transfer windows, and after he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League team-mate Liam Rosenior tipped him to make the England squad.
Hughton did not disagree when asked the same yesterday.
“He’s a player of huge potential,” said Hughton. “It’s a big season because this is his first at Premier League level.” MARCO SILVA says Watford are set for a clear-out – and that could spell the end for Ben Watson and Etienne Capoue. The Hornets have been linked with Benfica winger Andre Carrillo, left, Leicester striker Islam Slimani and Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, and manager Silva said: “Will anyone be going? Yes, depending on what we do until the end of the market. I will start to take my decisions in the next week.”
SOUTHAMPTON have agreed a £15million fee for Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt, 23, as their stand-off with wantaway captain Virgil van Dijk continues.