West Ham step up interest in next priority transfer as new approach already made
West Ham United are ramping up efforts to improve their squad in the January transfer window.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have had a busy month already in the market, as they look to start a Premier League survival charge in the coming weeks.
Taty Castellanos has joined West Ham from Lazio and scored his first goal for the Hammers on Sunday afternoon in the 2-1 FA Cup win over QPR.
Pablo Felipe also made the move to the London Stadium, from Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente, and Nuno’s side are now moving onto new targets.
West Ham target defenders in January window
Since Nuno took over from Graham Potter in September, his side has yet to keep a single clean sheet, highlighting their defensive problems.
The Hammers have already conceded 43 Premier League goals in total this season, the most in the entire division, and it is an area that needs immediate improvement.
According to the Daily Mail in its print edition on Monday, the East London outfit are now stepping up their interest in defenders, after securing the signings of Castellanos and Pablo.
Charlie Cresswell has been consistently linked with West Ham since the summer, but it remains to be seen whether Nuno’s side can come to an agreement with Toulouse regarding the centre-back.
Ethan Pinnock has also emerged as an option for the Hammers, having only made three Premier League appearances for Brentford this season.
West Ham make bid for third January signing
Amid their pursuit of defensive recruitments, West Ham have lodged a £6million bid for Metz midfielder Alpha Toure.
However, the Hammers will have to raise their offer if they want to get their hands on the 19-year-old this month, as the French side have rejected the approach.
Metz are currently rock bottom of Ligue 1 with just 12 points from 17 games, and are four points adrift of safety, so they will be extremely reluctant to part ways with Toure.
If Nuno’s side comes back with an improved bid, though, Metz may be convinced to cash in on the midfielder and allow him to make the move to the London Stadium.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.