By James Murray

14th Sep, 2023 | 12:47pm

West Ham Women in last-ditch hunt to sign new centre-back as Emma Sanders shares what she's been told

West Ham Women are in the hunt for a last-ditch deal to sign a centre-back, according to Emma Sanders.

The BBC journalist tweeted on 14 September that the Hammers’ recruitment has been a “challenge” after new manager Rehanne Skinner wasn’t appointed until 20 July.

But Sanders said the Irons are after a defender before the transfer window closes on 14 September and predicted that the club may have a “big January window”.

“I’m told West Ham are after a CB on deadline day,” she said. “Obviously manager Rehanne Skinner came in late so the recruitment has been a challenge.

“I’d imagine we’ll see a big January window from them but they will be working today to try and get someone in.”

Reinforcements needed

There is no doubt that further reinforcements are needed as West Ham try and get at least one deal over the line on deadline day.

The Hammers had a disappointing 2022/23 season and they will be looking to improve on their eighth-place finish under the new manager.

But the area they’re most lacking is at the back, having conceded 44 goals – the fifth-most in the WSL – in their 22 league games last season.

While the arrival of Skinner was probably later than hoped, the club have still had two months to get players through the door so that can’t be viewed as too much of an excuse.

They have, however, managed to bring in Japanese forward Riko Euki as they look to solve their problems in front of goal from the last campaign.

In other West Ham news, the arrival of one player could help take the club forward this season.