Glenn Murray says Brighton’s players want England international Lewis Dunk to remain at the Amex Stadium but admits “everyone has got their price”.
Albion defender Dunk has been strongly linked with a move to top-flight rivals Leicester for a reported fee of £45million.
Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes could be in the market for a centre-back before next week’s transfer deadline if Harry Maguire – who is reportedly interesting Manchester United and Manchester City – leaves the King Power Stadium.
Brighton technical director Dan Ashworth has previously dismissed talk of Dunk departing as “speculation”, and Seagulls striker Murray is keen for the club to retain one of their key performers.
“As far as any of our better players are concerned, they are the ones you want to keep,” Murray told PA.
“But football is a business as well as a sport and I think everyone has got their price.
“As far as the players are concerned, we all want Lewis to stay and lead us into another Premier League campaign.”
Dunk, who took part in an open training session on Monday, captained his hometown team for much of last season and could take on the role permanently under new head coach Graham Potter following the recent retirement of former skipper Bruno.
The 27-year-old, who came through Albion’s youth ranks, has made 270 senior appearances for the club, missing just two of 76 Premier League fixtures since promotion in 2017.
His fine form alongside centre-back partner Shane Duffy was rewarded with an England debut against the United States last November, although he has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s more recent squads.
Veteran forward Murray, meanwhile, approaches the 2019-20 campaign with a realistic chance of becoming Brighton’s record goalscorer.
The 35-year-old, whose current contract expires next summer, needs 15 goals in all competitions to surpass the 123 scored by Tommy Cook between 1921 and 1929.
“It would mean an awful lot to be the highest goalscorer for the club ever – a current Premier League club as well,” said Murray.
“Obviously I’ve scored goals throughout the divisions: League One, Championship and Premier League now.
“It would be a really great moment but it’s a long way off and I won’t really waste too much time thinking about it until it’s achieved – if it becomes achieved.”
Brighton have announced that striker Percy Tau has joined Club Brugge on a season-long loan.
South Africa international Tau, who is yet to make an Albion appearance, returns to Belgium having spent last term at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Technical director Ashworth told the club’s official website: “This is a great move for Percy. It’s a step up to the next level in Belgium and he also has the prospect of Champions League football.”
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