Albion boss Chris Hughton has brushed aside speculation that Derby County are lining up a bid for Dale Stephens.

Derby are weighing up a £2.5 million move for the midfielder, according to the Sun, after losing Will Hughes to a long-term knee injury and being linked with numerous potential replacements.

Stephens was ruled out himself for ten months by ankle damage before returning towards the end of last season.

Hughton said: I think he's grown in confidence and strength having recovered from the injury. He is just delighted to be back. It was a very frustrating period for him.

"He's a very good player for us. Again speculation is normal with a player like Dale. He is part, at this moment, of a midfield two with Beram (Kayal) that have done very well for us.

"We have to expect that speculation but it is what it is. He's very much a player that we are very keen to keep here."

Hughton also reiterated his stance over Lewis Dunk, the subject of a fresh £5 million bid from Fulham which Albion have rejected.

"The situation is no different with Lewis," Hughton said. "There's lots of speculation about him but he's very much a Brighton player and he's very committed at the moment."

Bobby Zamora is unlikely to be in the squad for Saturday's visit by Blackburn Rovers after groin tightness as he continues to build towards full fitness.

Hughton said: "Bobby's very close. Probably realistically it's going to be more next week."