Lewis Dunk will have to wait for a dream move to the Premier League.

And it is unlikely to be with Albion’s arch-rivals Crystal Palace.

They have already had a £5 million bid knocked back by the Seagulls.

Palace are expected to step up their interest next week, once Albion boss Chris Hughton is back from a holiday.

Dunk, Brighton-born and bred, is understood to be sceptical about joining Albion’s bitter enemies.

Other Premier League clubs have been linked with the 24-year-old, including West Ham and West Brom.

Reports of £7 million interest from champions Leicester are believed to be wide of the mark and Albion are reluctant to lose Dunk anytime soon, with their centre-half options in a state of flux and the club keen to build on last season’s promotion near-miss.

The release of skipper Gordon Greer at the end of last season, together with uncertainty about exactly when German Uwe Huenemeier will be fit to return from long-term groin damage, leaves Dunk and Connor Goldson as the only recognised pairing.

Albion have just recruited Ben Hall from Motherwell but the promising teenager will start off in the development squad.

The Seagulls are still trying to thrash out a deal with Luton Town for the departure of Republic of Ireland under 21 international Glen Rea to Kenilworth Road.