West Ham United in talks to secure two signings after transfer deadline, Tim Steidten not done
West Ham are in talks with the agents of Joel Matip and John Egan as they continue to look for signings outside of the transfer window, according to Dharmesh Sheth.
The Sky Sports journalist reported via X on 2 September, while citing ExWHUEmployee, that the Hammers are still working to make more moves after the deadline.
Senior centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd both completed loan moves away from the London Stadium, and two centre-backs are on the cards as possible arrivals.
Sheth wrote: “West Ham United are exploring the free agent market to bring in a central defender. Joel Matip & John Egan are two players they are looking at and talks are ongoing with their representatives as per ExWHUEmployee.
“Kurt Zouma & Nayef Aguerd left the club on loan last week.”
Joel Matip and John Egan in talks over West Ham deals
Tim Steidten has already done extensive Hammers business during the transfer window to hand Julen Lopetegui a very different squad from what David Moyes left behind.
But it looks like he is not finished yet despite the close of the window, having made more space in the squad with a number of late exits.
Permanent sales proved not to be possible for the likes of Aguerd, Zouma and Maxwel Cornet but a series of loans will have eased the wage-bill, even if the huge Danny Ings contract they were desperate to shed [talkSPORT, 13 August] still remains.
Despite signing Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo this summer there are now just three senior centre-backs in the squad, including Konstantinos Mavropanos, after Angelo Ogbonna also left at the expiry of his contract.
As a third or fourth option Matip, 33, looks like an attractive addition given his extensive experience in the Premier League with Liverpool, if contract terms can be worked out that don’t completely negate the work done to move Aguerd and Zouma on.
Egan, 31, would surely be the more affordable option but even though his only made six Premier League appearances last term and can’t be held responsible for Sheffield United’s defensive record which made even Moyes’ Hammers look respectable he is coming back from a foot injury that kept him out for nearly the whole campaign.
In other West Ham news, a late loan departure from the Irons squad could be made a permanent move.
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