West Ham shortlist four centre-backs for January transfer window
By Alex Smith
West Ham have narrowed their search for a centre-back to four possible options ahead of the January transfer window.
Manager, David Moyes, is believed to be keen to bring in some more defence reinforcements due to injuries and the potentially increasing fixture build-up with West Ham going strong in multiple competitions.
We take a look at the four options the club has identified and what they offer.
West Ham have shortlisted four central defenders who they are ready to bid for come the start of the January transfer window.
With Kurt Zouma set to be sidelined for a while, Angelo Ogbonna out for the season and ageing, only Craig Dawson and Issa Diop remain West Ham’s fit centre-backs.
There is talent in the youth team but with important matches to come in the second half of the season an experienced defender is on West Ham’s shopping list.
Nat Phillips
The Liverpool man has not had much game time this season is believed to be key on a move away from Anfield. He has featured twice in the Champions League but not in the Premier League this season. Phillips was a rock at the back when their was an injury crisis in defence for Jurgen Klopp’s team. The 24-year-old had a loan spell at Stuttgart in 2019/20.
He could be available for just £10 million and suits West Ham’s style being a tall and strong centre-back who is good in the air.
Nathan Ake
Manchester City signed the Dutch centre-back for a reported £41 million after he stood-out for Bournemouth prior to their relegation in the 2019/20 season. He has been a back-up since his arrival at the Etihad struggling to get ahead of John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order. Aged 26, Ake still has time on his side and could be keen on a move to gain more game time and continue getting into the Netherlands squad.
He’s a left-footer too which makes him a natural replacement for Angelo Ogbonna. Also, despite being just under 6ft he is still fantastic in the air due to great jumping often popping up with goals from set-pieces which is so key to Moyes’ way of playing.
Sven Botman
Similar to Ake, Botman is a left-footed Dutch central defender. He is extremely highly rated, aged just 21 he was key as Lille won the Ligue 1 title in France last season. Botman is 6ft 5in making him imposing in the air and he is also comfortable on the ball making him the perfect modern day central defender. Additionally, he is a graduate from the prestigious Ajax academy.
West Ham will face tough competition to sign him with Chelsea, AC Milan and Newcastle some of the clubs interested in the £27 million rated player.
James Tarkowski
The Englishman will be familiar to many having been linked with a move to West Ham many times before and being a part of the Burnley defence which has been so solid for countless seasons. Tarkowski’s deal at Burnley expiries this summer and he looks set to leave on a free unless there is a buyer in January. Due to this, he could be available for just £10 million according to some reports.
Aged 29, he is the oldest on the list but provides a great amount of Premier League know how, perhaps being one of the most under appreciated defenders in recent years.