BBC pundit 'surprised' Brighton's Lewis Dunk didn't make big money move to Chelsea

Respected BBC pundit and former Albion defender Matthew Upson admitted his surprise that Lewis Dunk didn't move away from Brighton this summer.

Dunk, 28, was the subject of intense transfer speculation once again from Chelsea and Leicester before agreeing a new and improved five year contract with his boyhood club.

Dunk was Albion's best player last season as Graham Potter's men secured their Premier League status for a fourth consecutive season.

Chelsea were said to be ready with a £40m bid for the skipper but Dunk ended speculation when he signed the deal that will take him to June 2025.

"A little bit (surprised) I have to say," said Upson speaking on the Football, the Albion and Me podcast. "But there is still time for that with Dunky, he is very happy at Brighton and it shows.

"Almost for him it boils down to why would you leave his boyhood club at the moment? I'm sure his affiliation to Brighton has come into that decision making. Given all the talk and how well he's done and forced himself into the England squad and been part of those plans.

"There is definitely progression he can still make at Brighton.

"But you feel that next step for him, and his personal goals in his career, is maybe to step up to that next level of club in the Premier League but there is still time for that."

Upson, who achieved 22 caps for England, joined Brighton from Stoke City in 2013. He immediately saw why Dunk was rated so highly by the club and has been impressed by the progress he has made throughout his career.

"He has matured so much since I played with him," Upson added. "I remember coming to Brighton and the management always knew the talent he had but in terms of maturity and discipline, it was not there as a young player and I think he will be the first to admit that.

"I know they had to work hard to get him as fit as he needed to be but his talent with the ball and his natural defensive qualities was obvious to see.

"It was always going to be a matter of time with him to see if he could pick up that level of discipline and professionalism and apply himself week in and week out and every training session to be his best and that is something that comes with time.

"He is proving and showing the quality of player that he really is and still can be. All credit to him and to Brighton for nurturing that talent."

Brighton signed Adam Lallana on free transfer from Liverpool and Dutch international defender Joel Veltman arrived from Ajax for £900,000. Ben White also returned from his successful season long loan at Leeds and will be a big part of Potter's first team plans this season.

Albion kick-off their Premier League campaign this Monday against Chelsea and Upson expects Lallana, 32, to make quite an impact and fit nicely into Potter's style of play.

"For someone like Lallana, the past couple of seasons have been tough, the injury problems and availability of matches hasn't been great.

"So to come to a club like Brighton, and the exciting future, you feel the club is progressing in positive a direction then I think it's a sensible move all round. It is a good move for him individually."