West Ham are still trying to get a deal for Jonathan Tah over the line, but have identified some back-ups should the deal fall through.
Jonathan Tah has been a target for West Ham for the last couple of weeks, and the club have been in talks over a loan with a view to buy. But with no answer on the Hammers latest offer, the club has identified two more options.
According to twitter ITK ExWHUemployee West Ham are also interested in Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleksandar Dragović and Torino’s Armando Izzo, should a move for Tah fall through. Dragović, like Tah, is currently contracted to Leverkusen and is in the last year of his contract at the German side.
With Dragović in the last year of his deal, it would mean that he would not cost as much as Tah. The club would be able to get the Austrian international close to or below his market value. The 29-year-old can play as a defensive midfielder and right-back, despite being a natural centre-back.
This ability to play multiple positions could be an enticing attribute for David Moyes. The club are short in midfield options, and could be shorter should Josh Cullen and Robert Snodgrass leave today.
Armando Izzo has been linked with a move to the Hammers a few times over the years and like Dragović can play in three positions. A centre-back at heart, Izzo can also play as a defensive midfielder and as a right-back.
The names of Dragović and Izzo suggest Moyes wants to sign a right-sided centre-back to play on the right side of his new back three set-up. At 29 and 28-years-old both options would provide a wealth of experience and should be mature enough to adapt to the Premier League.
The transfer deadline-day is set to be one of West Ham’s busiest for a few years. Multiple players are expected to be brought into the club as well as many players leaving the club on either permanent or on loan.