Dylan Lawlor to be next West Ham example of impressive EFL shopping 'track record'

West Ham United are interested in signing Cardiff City defender Dylan Lawlor in their summer rebuild to gain promotion back to the Premier League.

The Hammers expect to have a defensive reshuffle, with centre-backs Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman tipped for an exit.

To replace them, the Irons could bring in Lawlor, who The Athletic have reported is someone that is of interest to Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

The 20-year-old is a Welsh international who helped Cardiff gain promotion back to the Championship last season.

West Ham will have to be careful with what they spend, as it's likely that sales will be needed first, though outlining key targets still needs to be done early.

West Ham's EFL 'track record' comes into Dylan Lawlor conversation

West Ham are also said to be interested in Sheffield United's Sydie Peck, as early transfer links give a suggestion of what route the Hammers are going down this summer.

David Sullivan knows he won't be able to splash the cash as he pleases, but this is a chance to balance the books and make the Irons more profitable moving forward.

West Ham have been labelled to have a good "track record" in making signings from EFL clubs, namely Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell.

Lawlor could be the next example of that, as the Cardiff centre-back is believed to have high potential.

Who knows? Perhaps Lawlor could fit right into Nuno's backline, lead West Ham back to the big time, and become a hero at the London Stadium.

How did Lawlor perform in League One last season?

Lawlor was an integral piece to Brian Barry-Murphy's promotion-winning side, as the Bluebirds went up with 14 points separating them in second from third place.

The centre-back played 32 games, grabbed two goals and two assists, while managing to keep nine clean sheets.

Of the 32 games he played, Cardiff only conceded 26 goals when Lawlor was in defence, and after being in and out of the team halfway through the season, he was the go-to pick for the run-in.

It says it all when the Welshman has already played six times for his country, the same nation that has the likes of Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Ben Davies to choose from at the back.

West Ham could be making a very smart move here.