Monday's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup: Lewis Dunk, Ben White, John Stones

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Chelsea eye possible reinforcements.

The Blues failed to bring in a single player during the January window, despite seeing their transfer ban cut short by FIFA, but have already been busy this summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Stamford Bridge.

Monday morning's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup:

Chelsea close to signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk for £40m?

© Reuters

Chelsea have reportedly made an approach to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk.

As they bid to strengthen their backline, the Blues have previously been linked with a £40m offer for Ben White, who starred on loan at Leeds United last season.

However, with Brighton said to have no intention of selling the prospect, it appears that Frank Lampard has switched his attention to Dunk, a player valued at the same price.

According to The Sun, Chelsea are pressing ahead with their effort to sign the 28-year-old, who is a boyhood fan of the West Londoners.

Despite rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Dunk allegedly expects to complete a switch to Stamford Bridge in the near future.

Dunk has been part of the Brighton first team since 2009, making a total of 306 appearances in all competitions.

Chelsea want John Stones and Lewis Dunk?

© Reuters

Chelsea are reportedly planning a double swoop for centre-back pairing John Stones and Lewis Dunk during the summer transfer window.

Following Nathan Ake's arrival at Manchester City, Stones appears to have fallen further down Pep Guardiola's pecking order, and the England international has been tipped to head for the Etihad exit door this summer.

Meanwhile, a recent report suggested that Chelsea have approached Brighton & Hove Albion over a possible deal for Dunk, who would supposedly cost in the region of £40m.

Now, The Mirror reports that Chelsea will aim to strike deals for both centre-backs as Frank Lampard looks to shore up his defence ahead of next season.

The report claims that the Blues will prioritise the signing of Dunk but could make an attempt to take Stones on loan at Stamford Bridge for the 2020-21 campaign.

Having conceded 54 Premier League goals last season, the Blues are said to be eyeing defensive reinforcements after adding Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner to their attacking ranks.

Stones will see his current deal at Man City expire in the summer of 2022, while Dunk's contract with Brighton runs to 2023.

More transfer news from Chelsea:

Napoli 'leapfrog Chelsea in race for Real Madrid's Sergio Reguilon'
Napoli are reportedly in pole position to land Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon, who has impressed while on loan at Sevilla during the 2019-20 campaign. Read more.

Chelsea, Everton interested in Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster?
Chelsea and Everton are reportedly planning an approach for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, who may be allowed to leave Vicarage Road after their top-flight relegation. Read more.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Ben White 'wanted by every top six Premier League club'
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White is supposedly wanted by a host of top Premier League sides following his performances for Leeds United in the 2019-20 season. Read more.