Roma join AC Milan in showing interest in West Ham United defender Thilo Kehrer
Roma are the latest club to show an interest in West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian outlet reported in its print edition on Thursday [28 December, page 15] that Kehrer is being eyed up by Roma on a potential loan deal, alongside a permanent move for Union Berlin’s Leonardo Bonucci.
It is suggested that Jose Mourinho’s side may first have to free up wages, though, and they are hopeful that will happen if Renato Sanches departs next month.
The German has also been touted as a target for fellow Serie A side AC Milan ahead of the January window opening [Milan News, 27 December].
Loan makes no sense
Kehrer is clearly doing something right as he is now wanted by multiple clubs on the continent.
The 27-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game this season, with his only four appearances coming from the substitutes’ bench.
Indeed, since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2022 for a £10.1million fee [Sky Sports], Kehrer has started just 29 games in all competitions.
If the Irons can recoup the majority of that sum, then this is a move that would make sense on the face of it in the January window.
However, there seems very little point in allowing the 27-cap Germany international to leave on loan for the second half of the campaign.
Kehrer is still a squad player, and he will have to be replaced if he moves on.
Should more teams begin to show an interest, it may well be that a bidding war ensues. That will ensure West Ham are the only winners.
In other West Ham news, the Irons may now have a clear run at signing a long-term target in the January window.