West Ham could finally be set to end their interest in Burnley defender James Tarkowski and instead swoop for Swansea defender Joe Rodon.
According to the Guardian, West Ham are interested in the Swans defender after failing with three separate bids for the Clarets defender James Tarkowski. Rodon is significantly younger than Tarkowski, at 22-years-old it seems he would fit the ‘Red Bull Project’ substantially more.
Rodon impressed in the Swansea defence last season, helping them reach the Championship play-offs. The Welsh club, like Burnley, are not open to the idea of selling one of their prized assets, but if a big enough offer came in, it would be hard to stand in the way.
The young Welshman would be open to a move to West Ham as he would receive a significant pay increase. A move to London might not even affect Rodon’s playing time too dramatically. David Moyes clearly does not trust Fabian Balbuena and has only handed him limited minutes.
The other two senior centre-back also have question marks on their heads. Issa Diop, currently sidelined after testing positive with COVID-19, has become quite inconsistent over the last year. The final man, Angelo Ogbonna, is the best defender at the club but is the wrong side of thirty and could need replacing soon.
If Rodon joined the Hammers and carried on the form he showed at Swansea, he could make himself first choice in very little time. The 22-year-old could also contribute now, Moyes is currently teasing the idea of a back-three meaning there is a spot for Rodon immediately.
At the moment the club needs to get bodies through the door, or they risk being left behind by the rest of the league. Co-Owner David Sullivan has already let his disappointment in the lack of business be known on an interview with TalkSport.
"“It’s the manager’s decision. He doesn’t want to bring in players who are just numbers, just squad players. He wants to bring players in who will improve the team.”“We have a number of bids in for a number if players, but teams don’t want to lose them; these are key players at decent sized clubs, outside the UK. They don’t want to lose them so whether we get any of these players I do not know.” Sullivan said."
Rodon would be a wise investment as he has shown plenty of promise and has already been capped by his national side on four occasions.