West Ham United line up two new defenders amid talk of player exit

West Ham United will pursue two centre-back targets of Tim Steidten if Kurt Zouma is sold prior to the transfer deadline, according to Sean Whetstone.

The Hammers-centric writer reported the information via X (7 August) but did not mention any names within his update.

This is likely to ward off other clubs from taking an interest in their targets so that the London-based side have a clear run.

West Ham United need to find Kurt Zouma a suitor

Despite being the Hammers' captain, Zouma was arguably one of the worst players in David Moyes' squad last term.

While the club managed to finish in a respectable ninth place last term, their defence was the main area which let them down.

The club had the fourth-worst defensive record in the top flight, with only the three relegated teams ending up with a worse tally.

So when that's taken into account, it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Max Kilman was brought into the squad to help shore up the defence.

On Tuesday (6 August), it was reported that Zouma had some clubs interested in acquiring his services, with Emirati side Shabab Al-Ahli being singled out as the team said to be "leading the race" for the Frenchman [Santi Aouna, 6 August].

A move makes sense for both parties as, if West Ham want to make any further additions to their squad, they need sales and Zouma will likely want regular game time, which is now something the Hammers can't guarantee.

In other West Ham news, Hammers target Youssouf Fofana has had his priority transfer shared.

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