West Ham should pursue Championship star

West Ham’s current backline is not the strongest in the Premier League, and it has been that way for a while. The Hammers could do with some reinforcements when the transfer market reopens.

The Hammers could be about to go through some dramatic changes in their defence. West Ham centre-backs Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena are being linked with moves away and Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid aren’t getting any younger.

West Ham should be able to make a good profit on both Diop and Balbuena, therefore should be able to afford quality replacements. One name the Hammers should look at is Championship star, Ben White.

The 22-year-old has had a remarkable season on-loan at Leeds. White has been immense defensively, he has averaged 1.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per ninety minutes. This has helped Leeds to the top of the Championship and looking certain for promotion before football was suspended due to Coronavirus.

More from Editorials

• Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
• West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
• Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
• Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
• Ten Declan Rice negatives to help West Ham fans move on

The defender is also a very capable passer of the ball. This season White has averaged 2.8 long passes and managed a pass accuracy of over 85%. This showing has seen the defender assist two goals this season.

For his performances this season, White was chosen widely by fans of the other Championship clubs to be in the team of the season. The form White has shown has seen him attract interest from some of England’s top clubs. West Ham would have to battle Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City for White’s signature.

West Ham would also have to battle Leeds for White as he is currently contracted to Brighton and Hove Albion. The South-Coast side could be losing captain Lewis Dunk to Leicester City once the transfer window opens, this could see White’s price rise.

White is currently valued at £20 million by the Seagulls,  due to his massive potential. Transfer fees, however, are set to become negotiable due to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Hammers could take advantage of this, especially if Diop leaves for what the club aims to get for him.

White would certainly fit into West Ham manager David Moyes’ new transfer plans. The 22-year-old has all the attributes required to be a key signing for the Hammers for next season and many seasons to follow.