West Ham 'eye Burnley star Maxime Esteve' amid new twist abroad

West Ham United have endured difficulties defensively throughout this season, despite last summer's investment into the squad.

The Hammers have kept just six clean sheets in 29 Premier League games so far this term, a far cry from what some on the board will have expected when supplying a nine-figure sum to bring in new players some months ago.

Graham Potter's men were pegged back late on against Everton on Saturday (15 March), having been on the cusp of another away win and clean sheet, and could now be eyeing further defensive reinforcements.

West Ham step up Esteve pursuit amid Serie A news

West Ham remain in the chase to sign Burnley defender Maxime Esteve this summer, according to Alan Nixon.

Nixon claimed in The Sun on Sunday's print edition [16 March, pg 55] that the Irons - alongside Saturday's opponents Everton - have maintained an interest in bringing Esteve back to the Premier League, where he initially joined Burnley in February 2024.

And in a new twist from abroad, AC Milan currently appear frontrunners for Esteve's signature, with the Serie A giants joining West Ham and Everton in sending scouts to watch the Frenchman in the Clarets' recent midweek hosting of West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.

Burnley have incredibly conceded just 11 goals in 38 Championship games this season with Esteve at the heart of ex-Hammer Scott Parker's defence, keeping 27 clean sheets and making the world take notice of their backline.

Potter could convince David Sullivan to splurge for former West Ham target Esteve, who has represented France's Olympic squad and could be on the expensive side given he is still just 22, and has a contract at Turf Moor until 2029.

Potter wants to strengthen defence

In fairness to Potter, the West Ham defence certainly look levels above their performances under Julen Lopetegui prior to his winter sacking.

There is at least an organisation present and a feeling the team are signing from the same hymn sheet - under the previous head coach, it looked utterly fragmented and reflected in some kamikaze defensive performances.

West Ham have a free run at the rest of the season as Potter, the board and his backroom staff are able to start early their plans for the summer, ensuring the underwhelming campaign does not have to happen again on his watch.

While the agonising late equaliser concession at Everton was a gut-wrencher for the travelling support, a draw in their final visit to Goodison Park is not such a bad result considering the eight-game unbeaten run of the Toffees under fondly-remembered former Hammers boss David Moyes.

Potter wants a stronger defence for next season, upon which West Ham can build and dedicate more time to the creative and exciting side of their game going forward.