Crystal Palace could be poised for a summer-long pursuit of Albion defender Lewis Dunk.

The Seagulls’ old foes are believed to be the club who had a reported £5 million bid for the centre-back rejected.

Sources in South London were last night expecting Palace boss Alan Pardew to maintain his interest in the Brighton-born centre-back as he aims to strengthen his defence.

Palace need reinforcements at the back to join Scott Dann and Damien Delaney after letting Brede Hangeland and Adrian Mariappa go.

Defensive improvement is a key target for Pardew after Palace slipped into the lower reaches of the division last season.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber told The Argus this week that Albion had “very firmly rejected without any discussion” an offer for their defender.

The Seagulls would be loathe to publicly put a valuation on Dunk, who is under contract until 2020.

Barber’s determination to keep the player was echoed by boss Chris Hughton.

But, while Palace are not known for throwing cash around, they have the funds to increase their bid and are known to regard Dunk highly.

Newcastle are also known to have an interest in Dunk.

Meanwhile Albion wideman Jiri Skalak hopes for action at Euro 2016 today as the Czech Republic take on Croatia in St Etienne.