LAMPARD WANTS BRIGHTON STAR TO SHORE UP DEFENCE

CHELSEA BOSS LOOKS TO BRIGHTON FOR DEFENCE OPTIONS

FRANK LAMPARD will be keen to add to his defence this summer as Chelsea look to bolster their ranks.

The Blues have added two attacking players already in the form of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with Kai Havertz expected to join them, but it is at the back where Lampard really needs to strengthen.

Brighton’s Lewis Dunk is one of the latest names to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the latest reports suggesting the Blues have lodged a £40 million bid.

One report in The Times claim that Brighton have valued the defender at a fee of around £50 million, having come up through the academy at Brighton.

However, the report also states that the Seagulls would not stand in the defender’s way in joining a club with the stature of Chelsea should a reasonable offer be made.

Brighton manager Graham Potter has said that Dunk could develop into a “top Premier League defender”.

The player has one cap for England, but Potter has backed the 28-year-old to earn more.

“There’s always a chance if you’re playing well and reaching a level. Ultimately it’s Gareth’s responsibility to select who he thinks is the right player at the right time,” he told FourFourTwo back in October.

“From my perspective, Lewis has been great to work with. He’s shown a really good level. I think there’s more to come from him as well – he’s not playing at his maximum.

“Sometimes players develop and hit their peak later than others, and some earlier than others. I think he’s one that’s maybe a bit later.

“We’re looking forward to working with him for the next few years because I think he can be a really, really top Premier League defender.”

Meanwhile, Brentford, who lost their Championship play-off final to Fulham, will be involved in the first round draw of the Carabao Cup, which was being made on Tuesday as the Gazette went to press.

The dates for the rounds were announced earlier this week and more news on the first round has now been received.

The competition has seen a number of significant scheduling changes, with two-legged semifinals being replaced by a single tie and the first four rounds scheduled to take place on consecutive weeks, kicking off in early September.

Round one fixtures are scheduled to take place on Saturday September 5, but due to the international window may be played on alternative dates.

Rounds two, three and four will be played on consecutive midweek dates starting September 15/16.

Premier League sides Chelsea and Fulham will enter the competition in round two or three if they are competing in European competition in season 2020/21.

As per the previous two seasons, the round one draw will be divided into a northern and southern section but will remain unseeded.

GETTY IMAGES Blues boss Frank Lampard has turned his attention to strengthening at the back