According to reports in The Mirror, new West Ham United manager David Moyes wants to make Brighton and Hove Albion is first signing during the January transfer window.
The Scot has obviously identified the defence as a weak area – which is no surprise given it is the worst in the Premier League with 23 goals conceded in their 11 top flight matches so far this season – and he believes the 25-year-old can boost the leaky backline.
The Mirror says that it could be difficult to prise the centre-back away from the Amex Stadium though, as he is likely to have a hefty price tag on his head having only signed a new five-year deal in August.
Meanwhile, Everton are still yet to appoint Ronald Koeman’s successor after the Dutchman was sacked last month, but they will already have a plan of their own for where they want to strengthen in the New Year.
Considering they currently also find themselves down the wrong end of the table, it could be a shrewd move to try and bring Dunk to Goodison Park.
Here are three reasons Everton should hijack West Ham’s bid to sign the highly-rated central defender….
They need a new defender
While West Ham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this term, Everton have only conceded one less goal and they also have huge problems at the back if this season is anything to go by.
The likes of Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines are certainly getting no younger, and whoever the new Toffees boss is will likely want to add a more youthful centre-back into the mix during the January transfer window to ensure that the Merseyside outfit stay out of relegation trouble.
His defensive qualities
Considering they are enjoying their first ever season in the Premier League, Brighton would have been expecting to do a lot of defending this season, and Dunk certainly hasn’t let them down in that respect.
They have conceded 11 goals in their 11 Premier League matches so far this term and the 25-year-old has shown the defensive qualities he has.
The centre-back has shown his strength in the air by winning 24 aerial duels, while he has also made an impressive 18 blocks, 21 interceptions and 68 clearances.
But rather than just being a good defender, a passing accuracy of 80% also shows that Dunk is pretty handy on the ball as well.
He isn’t afraid of a battle
While he may not be blessed with an abundance of pace, Dunk has shown time and time again that he isn’t afraid to put his body on the line for his team and in many respects he is similar in style to John Terry.
The fact that he is the current vice-captain of the Seagulls shows the leadership qualities he has, and that fight and determination to prevent goals could be exactly what Everton need in the second-half of the campaign to ensure the Merseyside outfit stay out of trouble and move up the Premier League table.
He could also be the perfect long-term partner for Michael Keane at the heart of the Toffees’ defence, with the duo seemingly complementing each other with their different defensive skills.
Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.
