TNT Sports claimed that West Ham are keen to sign Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi this summer.
And well-informed insider ExWHUemployee has confirmed the Hammers’ interest in the Argentine.
The 31-year-old joined City from Valencia in the summer of 2015, and he has gone on to be a real hit in the Premier League.
Otamendi’s no-nonsense, tenacious playing style is perfectly suited to the robust nature of the English game.
He is also vastly experienced, and has won two Premier League titles.
The South American really could be an exceptional signing for West Ham. Especially with their current problems at the back.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have looked incredibly fragile at the back during pre-season.
And Otamendi could solve those issues instantly.
Pellegrini is obviously a big fan, having brought him to the Premier League four years ago.
TNT Sports claims that City want around €25 million (£22.8 million) for the centre-back, however, and that might prove to be a little steep for the Hammers.
And this claim was backed up by ExWHUemployee last night:
With Winston Reid still nowhere near full fitness, the addition of another top class centre-back could be pivotal to West Ham’s hopes of challenging for the top seven.
And it could be argued that £22.8 million for Otamendi would represent good business for the Hammers.
Whether the West Ham board agree with that notion, however, remains to be seen.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
