West Ham United transfer news: Isak Hien liked at London Stadium as sought-after defender looks set for January move
West Ham are interested in the signing of Verona defender Isak Hien as the race heats up around the 24-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, according to La Repubblica.
The Italian paper reported via their website on 1 November that the Hammers “like” the Swede who is in the sights of a trio of Serie A sides and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, with his value having shot up since a cheap move to Italy from Djurgårdens in his home country two summers ago.
Juventus and AC Milan are joined by Atalanta in the hunt for the eight-cap international, with the latter having come close to a deal in the summer before Verona upped the price at the last minute.
A switch for Hien in January is now seen as a possibility as the Irons apparently lurk with interest in the run up to the winter window.
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Despite signing Konstantinos Mavropanos in the summer, and since restricting him to appearances in cup competitions, it continues to look like West Ham are looking to further strengthen at the position sooner rather than later.
Harry Maguire remained a defensive target throughout the previous window but a deal couldn’t be worked out, and although there looks to be a strong group of centre-backs at the London Stadium the recruitment department are linked to further targets.
Nayef Aguerd’s erratic form has been highlighted as a source of irritation for David Moyes, while the Moroccan was linked to a move away in the summer.
Angelo Ogbonna is 35 but still performing at a relatively high level, and Thilo Kehrer’s ability to play at full-back works in his favour even if he is probably last in line for a central role.
Kurt Zouma’s presence as captain suggests he isn’t going anywhere soon, but injuries have hit the Irons back line hard in recent seasons.
West Ham likely have the financial might to outbid all of their rivals in this transfer race should they decide to step forward, but it is surely going to require the departure of one current Hammers defender to add another to the rotation when Mavropanos has still only seen a minute of Premier League action.
In other West Ham news, a striker has been tipped for a return to London with the Irons in the hunt for a winter deal as his team is ready to sell.