Report: West Ham turn attention to PL ‘keeper
West Ham United’s search for solidity at the goalkeeping position this season has been a long and extremely arduous one, that’s for sure.
First choice shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski’s injury problems have been well-chronicled at this point, with his latest setback ruling him out for a few weeks.
A move for former Hammer Darren Randolph appeared to be close to done, but that has seemingly fallen by the wayside due to his own injury issues.
Now, though, it appears that the east London outfit have turned their attention to a Premier League ‘keeper.
Football Insider reported on Wednesday that Aston Villa’s back-up goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic is one of the team’s transfer targets this month.
The 19-cap Croatian international is thought to have been lined up as an alternative to Cardiff City stopper Neil Etheridge, who the Irons have made a bid for already.
Villa boss Dean Smith is ready to sell the 29-year-old this month following his failure to make a positive impression since joining the club.
Is Kalinic the right choice for West Ham?
This is the thing, isn’t it? The Hammers aren’t looking for a new first choice ‘keeper, they simply want a quality back-up to sit behind Fabianski and come in when he’s injured.
However, Kalinic is clearly struggling to serve that role for a team, in Villa, who are below West Ham in the Premier League table.
The Croatian has failed to make a first team appearance this campaign, so is he really an upgrade on David Martin? Etheridge is certainly a superior option, that much seems clear.
In other West Ham news, a former England international believes that the club should be targeting a Premier League right back.