West Ham United in hunt to sign Sunderland ace Daniel Ballard as transfer chief heads out on mission
West Ham are “keeping tabs” on Sunderland and Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard, according to The Sun.
The publication noted that the Hammers sent Head of Recruitment Rob Newman to watch the youngster play for Northern Ireland in March.
The 23-year-old signed a three-year deal with the newly-promoted Black Cats last summer, joining from Premier League giants Arsenal.
“West Ham are keeping tabs on Sunderland’s Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard,” according to The Sun.
“The centre-back was watched by Hammers’ Head of Recruitment Rob Newman at the most recent international in March – a 1-0 home defeat by Finland.”
Interesting option
It’s no secret that West Ham need to strengthen in various areas this summer, despite the East London outfit enjoying themselves overall this season after both securing their top flight safety and lifting the Europa Conference League trophy.
They are certain to move on some senior players in the transfer window, with young and exciting faces now needed to keep things fresh at the London Stadium.
And young defender Ballard is definitely an interesting option for the Hammers, with the defender clearly doing something right in his brief career so far after spending several years in the Arsenal youth academy.
The Gunners didn’t hand him senior minutes, but the Northern Ireland international boasts 50 Championship appearances thanks to his time with Sunderland and a previous temporary spell at Millwall.
The centre-back, who is also a favourite for his country, does not have Premier League experience, so it would be a risk for Moyes to bring him to East London, but it’s definitely one that could pay off in the long run.