Brighton reportedly accepted a bid from Nottingham Forest for Lewis Dunk in the January transfer window.

Sean Dyche’s side were heavily linked with a move for the defender last month as part of their search for a new centre-back and desire to inject some leadership into their backline.

Their admiration was largely viewed as being ‘speculative’, but it has since emerged that Forest came closer to securing the services of the Seagulls skipper than initially perceived.

According to the Daily Mail, the Tricky Trees managed to strike an agreement with Brighton to sign Dunk, but the player himself rejected the chance to head to the City Ground.

The 34-year-old ‘refused to entertain’ the prospect of leaving Brighton, with even the promise of a pay rise and contract running until 2028 not turning the head of the defender.

Instead, Dunk was left ‘surprised’ that the Seagulls had even gone as far as accepting an offer from Forest and reiterated to the higher powers at the Amex Stadium that he was not at all interested in an exit from his boyhood club.

Despite the player’s shock at the situation, Brighton felt that their captain deserved the chance to leave the club if he desired, given everything that he had put into the team over the years.

Nevertheless, Dunk appears to remain committed to guiding his side through the rough patch that his team find themselves in.

The Seagulls have won just one of their last 12 Premier League matches, with their most recent defeat coming over the weekend when they were beaten 1-0 by rivals Crystal Palace.

Brighton failed to muster up any true openings throughout the contest, with the home crowd turning on manager Fabian Hurzeler as a result, with boos and chants aimed in his direction towards the latter stages of the match.

A former Sunderland midfielder has signed a new long-term contract at Brighton after continuing his development in the club’s academy set-up

Former Sunderland midfielder Josh Robertson has committed his future to Brighton & Hove Albion, signing a new contract that runs until June 2028.

Robertson joined Brighton from Sunderland AFC in February 2024 and has since established himself within the club’s under-21 set-up, making 26 appearances in Premier League 2. The 20-year-old has featured across Premier League 2, the National League Cup and the EFL Trophy this season, recording six direct goal contributions with three goals and three assists.

Brighton under-21s head coach Shannon Ruth said the new deal reflects the club’s belief in Robertson’s long-term development, particularly after a spell on the sidelines through injury. The midfielder, he added, is viewed as a player with significant potential who now has the time and support to continue progressing. The announcement also drew reaction from Robertson’s former Sunderland teammates on social media. Jake Waters responded to the news with a show of support in the comments, while Daniel Cameron showed support on the post, reflecting the strong connections Robertson retains from his time on Wearside.

Robertson spent several years within Sunderland’s academy system before departing for the south coast, and his progress at Brighton has been closely followed by former teammates and coaches alike. The new contract represents a vote of confidence from the Premier League club as he looks to push on following a disrupted period and build momentum during the remainder of the campaign.

Régis Le Bris delivers Lutsharel Geertruida verdict

Régis Le Bris has played down the significance of Lutsharel Geertruida’s failed move to Liverpool, admitting the situation was complex and ultimately lacked clarity late in the process.

Geertruida was heavily linked with a move away during the window, but Le Bris insists Sunderland’s view of the defender has not changed, pointing to his versatility as a major asset in the Premier League. “I think his main strength is versatility,” Le Bris said. “Probably in this industry, the most usual pathway is to stay in one position. I think we have to value his versatility, because it’s his strength.

“For him, it’s a complex situation, because he’s really useful for the squad. Often the 11th for game time for 10 positions on the pitch, but still the 11th, which is really good in the Premier League. And the ambition to be a starter is normal for a footballer. The World Cup, with this future in his mind, is really important as well. So many things are combined, and can add the complexity of the transfer window, with many rumours, many opportunities. But facts are facts, it’s just the end of the process – do you want to sign or not – and it wasn’t so clear finally.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Sunderland retain a long-term interest in Geertruida, who is currently on loan from RB Leipzig, but Le Bris admitted it is too early to say whether a permanent move could be agreed in the summer. The Black Cats do hold an option to buy, though any deal would require agreement from all parties, including the player.

“I don’t know, to be fair, I don’t know,” Le Bris added. “I really appreciate his profile, the person as well – he’s a good team-mate in the dressing room. Like Trai, for example. Trai Hume is our captain – right-back, left-back, centre-back, right-winger, midfielder. So the versatility in modern football is key. Probably you can’t have six or seven players like that, but at least two or three are really important, and I think Lucha is this kind of player.”