Fulham boss Kit Symons has been knocked back in his attempts to bring Brighton and Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk to Craven Cottage.

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Fulham have had a bid rejected by Brighton for Dunk

HITC Sport are reporting that the Seagulls have rejected the Cottagers' bid for the highly-rated centre-half.

Dunk is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the Championship after several eye-catching displays for Chris Hughton's men last season.

Symons has made a central defender with Championship experience his number one target this summer and this latest failed bid comes on the back of last week's knock back from Wolves for their defender Richard Stearman.

Fulham are understood to have bid £2.5m for the 23-year-old but it seems a bid considerably higher will be needed to tempt Brighton into selling one of their prized assets.

Boss Chris Hughton is reluctant to sell Dunk as he aims to try and build a side around his young central defender who only recently signed a four-year extension to his contract at the AMEX stadium.

Fulham fans... Would Dunk be a good signing for your club?