West Ham Could Still Make Moves For Big-Name Defenders

Two summer targets for West Ham could still be on the radar when the January transfer window opens in eight weeks time.

West Ham tried their best to sign a new star centre-back during the summer but saw all their attempts fail. The Hammers tried to sign players from all over Europe such as Jonathan Tah, Wesley Fofana and Joe Rodon. The club failed and signed Craig Dawson on loan from Watford.

The club are reportedly close to signing Danish youngster Frederik Alves Ibsen. The young defender is set to join the club in January, but will likely be placed in the development squad. Ibsen’s arrival may not be the only January acquisition.

There were two moves that seemed to make progress in the summer. The Hammers were very interested in Burnley’s James Tarkowski and made multiple bids for the Englishman. The club also spoke to Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car before he decided to stay in France.

Reports, however, suggest deals for the defenders might not be fully dead. The Daily Star have reported that club could revive their interest in Tarkowski and bid £40 million for the defender. Any move for the 27-year-old could prove difficult should the claret’s takeover happen. The new wealthy owners would not need to sell their best player to a league rival.

A move for Caleta-Car could be more likely than Tarkowski. The Croatian chose to stay in France due to the opportunity to play Champions League football for Marseille. Les Phocéens, however, have had a terrible campaign so far and could be knocked out in the group stage.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas has criticised his team’s performances in the European competition after their 3-0 defeat to FC Porto.

"“To do s*** in the Champions League, you need to be there. We are here and we are doing s***!”Villas-Boas on Marsielle’s Champions League campaign."

With the main reason for Caleta-Car staying in France likely to be over soon, it could spark West Ham’s interest again. The defender is comfortable with the ball at his feet and possesses a wide range of passing, something the Hammers defence lacks.

David Moyes side requires another star centre-back as Aaron Cresswell is not naturally a central defender, Angelo Ogbonna is the wrong side of thirty and Diop and Balbuena are both inconsistent.