Lewis Dunk makes honest declaration to Leeds and Chelsea target Ben White

Dunk, fresh from signing his five-year contract extension at Albion last week, is back in training with his teammates and has been greatly impressed with the progress made by his fellow defender White.

The 22-year-old was excellent while on loan with Leeds last season and was a key man as Marcelo Bielsa's team secured promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

The Whites have so far made three bids of more than £20m to sign the Brighton man on a permanent basis and all three were rejected by the Seagulls.

White has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool but Dunk is keen for the talented youngster to make his mark at Albion next season.

“You can see it in training every day, we know how good Ben is,” said Dunk. “He has shown it in the lower leagues, and he has shown it in the second-best league in the country.

“Last season when Saturday evening came around, it seemed to be the Ben White show every week!

“All credit to him for going out and working so hard and doing well. Hopefully, he can bring that form back to Brighton and help us.

“I am buzzing for him. He is a top boy, a good kid to be around and it’s great to have him in the dressing room. We want to see him kick on here.”

There is stiff competition for starting places in the defensive areas and Dunk insists no-one, including himself, can take their spot for granted.

Dunk was Albion's best player last season but the likes of Adam Webster, Dan Burn and Shane Duffy are all vying for a first team role.

Duffy has been heavily linked with a summer move to Celtic but Dutch international defender Joel Veltman also signed from Ajax and the return of loanees White and Matt Clark from his successful spell Derby adds further to the competition.

“We have certainly got a few defenders to choose from now and everyone could do a very good job,” said Dunk.

“I’m glad I’m not the gaffer having to make those decisions, but it shows the good recruitment done by the club.

“Even though I am captain, I won’t be taking my place for granted. That’s a dangerous approach to take.

“Every day in training you are playing for your place and as soon as you relax and think ‘I am going to play’ is the day you lose your shirt and it will be difficult to get it back.”