Report: West Ham explore possibility of signing Bournemouth defender
Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook has emerged on West Ham’s radar as David Moyes eyes new additions for his defence, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claims that with the international transfer window closing on Monday, the Hammers have set their sights on potential signings from clubs in the Championship.
It is understood that Watford’s Craig Dawson and Bournemouth’s Cook are now options for the Irons.
Cook, 29, has been a mainstay of the Bournemouth defence for nine years, playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League and a subsequent five-year stint in England’s top-flight.
During that time, the former Brighton defender earned 168 Premier League appearances and won numerous player of the year awards.
West Ham’s defence is well known for it’s ability to concede goals.
Last season, the London club conceded 62 goals in 38 Premier League matches, which was just three fewer that Bournemouth as they were relegated to the Championship.
Stats by UnderScout show that West Ham’s xGA (expected goals against) was the third-worst in the Premier League last season at 68.32 (1.79 per match). Bournemouth’s was 63.29 (1.66 per match) as Cook made 29 appearances.
Cook wouldn’t be the worst addition to West Ham’s defence, especially now that Moyes cannot sign any new players from outside of England.
It remains to be seen how much Bournemouth will want for the 29-year-old but he is undoubtedly a key part of Jason Tindall’s plans at the Vitality Stadium having played every minute of every league match so far this season.
In other West Ham news, Harry Redknapp’s been singing the praises of this Hammers ace.