West Ham United could seal defender transfer to unearth new gem

West Ham United are interested in Havant & Waterlooville left-back Reuben Livesey-Austin, according to TBR Football.

The news outlet reports (11 January) that the Hammers are keeping an eye on the 20-year-old and have been watching closely already.

Several other Premier League teams have been doing checks on the defender who plays in the Southern League Premier Division South, the seventh level of English football.

Who is West Ham United transfer target Reuben Livesey-Austin?

Livesey-Austin is a former Portsmouth trainee who moved to Havant & Waterlooville on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

The left-back made his way through Worthing Town's youth ranks and spent time on loan at Bognor Regis.

After an impressive season with the Hawks, it's no wonder that top teams are looking at the defender's development and potential.

West Ham have Emerson on the left-hand side of their defence, with the Brazilian-Italian becoming an influential player since his move from Chelsea.

The Italian left-back is 30, meaning the Irons must plan for a future without him.

Oliver Scarles featured for the East London Club in Graham Potter's first game in charge against Aston Villa in the 2-1 FA Cup loss on Friday (10 January).

Aaron Cresswell is also in the Hammers' ranks, but the 35-year-old's chapter at the London Stadium also seems to be coming to a close.

Tim Steidten made several additions to the defence in the previous transfer window and will undoubtedly be expected to do the same in the coming months to bolster the left-back position.

Whether the Irons will buy Livesey-Austin remains to be seen, but he evidently still has a long way to go before playing top-flight football.

In other West Ham news, Potter could make an early decision regarding the return of Nayef Aguerd.

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