West Ham are locked in a battle to sign free agent Gary Cahill. According to 90min, West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs considering a move for the former Chelsea defender.
Cahill is exploring his options after his highly-decorated seven-year stay at Chelsea came to an end. He leaves Stamford Bridge with nearly 300 appearances, two Premier League titles, three domestic trophies and two European trophies to his name.
West Ham are pondering whether to offer the 33-year-old a contract. But the club might need to step up their attempts if they are serious about landing Cahill as other teams lurk.
London-based duo Arsenal and Crystal Palace are also interested, as well as his former club Aston Villa. But Arsenal, Palace and the Hammers have the upper hand in this race; Cahill reportedly wants to stay in the capital.
West Ham’s centre-back situation
Manuel Pellegrini appears undecided on whether he needs a new central defender this summer. West Ham’s current options are strong. But Pellegrini had limited options at times last season due to injury problems.
When fully fit, Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena is the undoubted first-choice pairing. Angelo Ogbonna provides experience as a back-up option. But Winston Reid has not played in one-and-a-half years, prompting doubts over his future.
Pellegrini might look to bring in a fourth-choice centre-back. And with a limited budget – which he wants to splash on a striker – Cahill on a free transfer could be a compromise.
The former England international would probably not be a regular starter for the Irons. But as an experienced back-up choice, this could be a shrewd purchase – if his wages are reasonable.