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Should statistics leave West Ham wary of targeting Lewis Dunk?

Marc Pugh of AFC Bournemouth is blocked by Lewis Dunk of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brigh...
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West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Lewis Dunk from Brighton and Hove Albion.

David Moyes, Manager of Sunderland gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on May 16, 2017 in London, England.

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, West Ham are interested in Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, with David Moyes hoping to make the centre-back his first signing since arriving at the London Stadium.

Given West Ham’s poor transfer record of late, fans would be forgiven for being wary about links with a defender who is currently enjoying his first season at Premier League level.

Lewis Dunk of Brighton and Hove Albion and Abdoulaye Doucoure of Watford battle for possession during the Premier League match between Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion at Vicarage Road...

However, the Hammers fans will know very well what Dunk is capable of as he put in an excellent display just last month when Chris Hughton’s men thrashed the Irons 3-0 in what will arguably be reflected upon as a real turning point in Slaven Bilic’s tenure.

But based on the statistics from the campaign so far, it could be argued that the Hammers should be concerned about targeting Dunk as they arguably do not stand out when compared with Jose Fonte’s and Winston Reid’s stats per game for the season.

Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton battles with Lewis Dunk of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on...

BlocksTotal TackleTackle WonTotal ClearanceDuel LostDuel WonAerial LostAerial Won
Lewis Dunk1.7310.456.273.184.271.732.45
José Fonte1.131.380.754.53.754.752.382.63
Winston Reid0.750.630.6363.133.881.132.13

Dunk’s stats are arguably the most impressive of the trio, as he comes out on top in terms of most blocks made per game and most clearances per game, but they arguably do not jump off the page.

And that should arguably leave Moyes concerned about making a move as, with the Mirror reporting that he will cost a ‘huge fee’ after signing a five-year deal just this year, it does not appear, on paper at least, that the 25-year-old is giving them reason to pay that large fee.

However, it must also be said that Dunk has done extremely well during his first few months in the top flight and has time to get even better, so perhaps if Moyes is confident that those stats will improve over time, he should still try and make a move for him in January.

Would Dunk be a good signing for West Ham?