How West Ham see Caleb Wiley transfer option as 'truth' shared on interest

West Ham United have been linked with Chelsea left-back Caleb Wiley this summer.

The Irons will be desperate to recruit in the left fullback position, especially with El Hadji Malick Diouf poised to make a move away from London Stadium.

West Ham have agreed a fee with Brentford for Diouf, with his move likely to go through within the next few days.

His departure would undoubtedly leave the East London outfit lacking in that department.

Only Ollie Scarles would be part of Nuno Espirito Santo's squad and be able to fill out as a natural left-back.

And with time running out until the deadline, the Hammers may end up turning to the option of Wiley based on what has now been said.

Do West Ham want to sign Caleb Wiley?

Links to Wiley are not entirely misplaced this summer and the American may end up in a West Ham kit before or on 1 September.

ExWhuEmployee told the West Ham Way patreon that there is an "element of truth" in suggestions that Wiley is an option for the Hammers.

The report shares that the E20 outfit have enquired about a number of Chelsea prospects to add to Nuno Espirito Santo's squad on a loan basis.

However, the priority for West Ham at the moment is to bring in an experienced left-back following Diouf's prospective move to Brentford.

Of course, with the ambition being to push their way back into the Premier League, experience will be key.

However, Wiley could be a "last-minute option" should the Irons fail to nail down that experienced defender this window.

What else does West Ham's squad need before transfer deadline?

With just a few days before the end of the transfer window, there are still some clear holes in the Irons' squad and potential issues that can pop up.

The loss of James Ward-Prowse who is returning to Southampton will leave the Hammers light in the middle of the park, especially after Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts' departures.

Only Arne Engels has been brought in to fill the midfield void, although academy product Lewis Orford may be eyed for a more significant role.

Additionally, another centre-back is needed with Jean-Clair Todibo likely to leave after an infamous and public fallout with Nuno.

That would only leave Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman as senior central defenders with Ezra Mayers possibly being promoted into a more regular role.

On the wing, the Irons only have three options. Manor Solomon and Jarrod Bowen are likely to be first choice this season, but only Keiber Lamadrid is in the first team to back them up.

However, Josh Ajala has emerged as a concrete option following his Carabao Cup exploits against Southampton.