West Ham United interested in signing Udinese centre-back Rodrigo Becao
West Ham United remain keen to sign a new centre-back in January and have registered an interest in Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, according to 90min.
David Moyes’ side are looking to bolster their defensive ranks despite the summer signings of Nayef Aguerd, Thilo Kehrer and Kurt Zouma, with the club previously linked with the likes of Michael Keane in this window.
Interest in Becao could highlight the Hammers’ willingness to let Craig Dawson leave the club amid interest from fellow Premier League side Wolves.
90min believes that Moyes’ side aren’t close to making a defensive signing, despite the interest in the Udinese ace, with several players on the club’s shortlist.
The report said: “Sources have told 90min that 26-year-old Brazilian defender Becao is one of many players to have been watched by West Ham’s recruitment team, with a view to making a loan with an option to buy offer, but their shortlist of potential signings is extensive.”
Potential
At 26 and with a decent pedigree at Udinese, Becao looks like a decent prospect if the club can get a move for him over the line.
The Salvador-born centre-back has managed over 30 games in each of his three seasons at the Serie A side, proving he isn’t as injury-riddled as the likes of Zouma and Aguerd.
At 6ft 3in, he could be a distinct aerial threat from set pieces for the Hammers, and on a loan-to-buy deal, West Ham will get a chance to assess the defender before making him a permanent signing.
The interest does raise questions about the future of 32-year-old Dawson, whose time at the club could be drawing to a close. If the club had a replacement being scouted, it would be silly to keep hold of the centre-back when a fellow Premier League club are willing to take him off the wage bill.