West Ham United target Real Betis ace Juan Miranda as report names frontrunners
West Ham are said to be targeting a summer transfer move for Real Betis’ full-back Juan Miranda but face competition from FC Porto, according to Estadio Deportivo.
The Spanish outlet reported [1 May] that Porto are the club “best placed” to sign the 24-year-old, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023/34 campaign.
It is understood that there are no signs of a new deal for Miranda, with Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Wolves aiming to secure his signature on a free transfer.
Why would West Ham United target Juan Miranda this summer?
Although the full-back positions are the least of David Moyes’ current worries, especially with the quality of the current centre-backs at the London Stadium, squad depth is certainly a concern.
Emerson Palmieri has been a regular figure for the Hammers this season and is a fan favourite at the club. However, Moyes has had few replacement options when injury strikes or rest is needed.
Aaron Cresswell has been handed just three Premier League starts this term while Ben Johnson, who can deputise on either flank, could be set to exit the London Stadium this summer.
Though West Ham’s central defenders have been heavily criticised and must need replacing during the summer, backups are also needed for the likes of Emerson and Vladimir Coufal.
Miranda would be an excellent choice for the left-back position, which explains why so many high-profile clubs are after his signature.
He has experience at the top level with Barcelona, Schalke and Betis, and has made 82 appearances for the latter since making his loan spell at the club permanent in June of 2021.
The 24-year-old also has a knack for attacking, boasting eight goals and 11 assists in 107 total appearances for Betis, which would be the perfect player profile for a replacement at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the club have been handed a major boost in appointing David Moyes’ replacement as a manager has made his future intentions clear.
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