Aston Villa have been linked with a surprise move for Brighton & Hove Albion skipper Lewis Dunk following their promotion back to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old defender has been with his hometown club for his entire career, coming up through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team in 2010 and helping them rise from League One to the top flight.

According to The Sun, Dunk is among the names on Villa boss Dean Smith's shopping list as he gears up for his first top-flight campaign as manager.

The Midlands side have already completed a club-record £24m deal for Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes and have also been linked with Stoke City keeper Jack Butland and Southampton left-back Matt Targett.

Dunk - currently valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt - has four years remaining on his current deal with Brighton after penning fresh terms last October.