West Ham manager David Moyes want to bring in Brighton defender Lewis Dunk as his first signing, according to the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper claims that the new Hammers boss is lining up the 25-year-old from their Premier League rivals and identified him as the player to help fix their shaky backline.
It is understood that Brighton would demand a “huge fee” to lose the centre-back as he only signed a five-year deal in the summer.
Dunk has played an integral role in Brighton’s season so far since the club were promoted to the top flight and the 6ft 4in colossus is a no-nonsense defender.
Good move for West Ham???
West Ham certainly need to bring in a couple of defenders in January and Moyes has the right idea by bringing in ready-made products from the Premier League.
Dunk has really impressed so far this campaign and talk emerged of him earning a first England call-up, but for now he must wait for national recognition.
The centre-back has formed a brilliant partnership alongside Shane Duffy at Brighton and the duo frequently throw their bodes on the line.
He is also very capable in possession and the Hammers are missing a real leader in their defence.
Dunk is an exciting prospect and could turn out to be a good signing, but the fee will come at a premium and it would be no surprise if Hammers fans would prefer a more high-profile arrival.
?This Is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Moyes is keen to bring Dunk to the London Stadium, but West Ham will probably have to massively overpay to get him
.??The Englishman only signed a new long-term contract in August and his immediate future certainly appears to be at the Amex.
He is an integral part of a Brighton team that are up in eighth, while West Ham are stuck in the relegation zone.
??This Is Futbol rating: 3/10