West Ham now want to sign ‘powerful’ centre-back loved by Frank Lampard as four-man shortlist emerges
West Ham United have now turned their attention to defensive reinforcements in the January market.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season, with 43 strikes allowed so far.
West Ham have already signed Pablo and Taty Castellanos to ease their attacking concerns, and are focusing on other parts of the squad.
The London Stadium club still need several bodies through the door, if they are to escape their precarious position.
West Ham eye Coventry defender as shortlist emerges
West Ham had been linked with Roggerio Nyakossi, but he seems set to stay in Belgium with OH Leuven.
A report from Daily Mail on 15 January claims that the Hammers have added Coventry’s Bobby Thomas to their four-man shortlist.
It states that Newcastle star Jamaal Lascelles, Braga’s Bright Arrey-Mbi, and Toulouse ace Charlie Cresswell are also potential targets for the top-flight strugglers.
Frank Lampard loves ‘powerful’ defender Thomas, here’s why
Thomas has been a key member of Frank Lampard’s squad in the Midlands, featuring 22 times for the Championship leaders.
He has only missed four matches in the Sky Blues’ remarkable rise under the former Hammers star, which sees them sitting six points clear at the top of the second tier, with 20 matches to play.
Speaking after Thomas’ man of the match display in the 3-1 win against Sheffield United in November, Lampard said: “To see how he’s developed is all credit to him because I think all facets of his game are growing.
“The basics have always been there, he’s a big powerful centre half but I think his all-around game is really good.”
Lampard would surely be reluctant to lose the former Everton youth defender, so it may take a big offer for the Irons to convince him to sell one of his best stars.
The 24-year-old would be a promising and much-needed addition to Nuno’s backline, but it remains to be seen whether they can agree a deal for the defender.
One thing is for sure, the E20 outfit needs a centre-back as they are seven points away from safety and leak goals easily, and of the options listed in the report, Thomas is probably the best one.
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