A West Ham and Man United deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka becomes a January window must as contract rebel Ben Johnson fails to convince.
Ask any West Ham fan what David Moyes’ priority should be in the winter window and a new right-back would be right near the top of the list.
Any doubts that West Ham desperately need a new defender on the right hand side will have been put to bed by the performances of both Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson this season.
Both have proved nowhere near the required standard for a modern full-back so far this season and for much of the second half of last term too.
After a brilliant first 18 months at West Ham, Coufal has been a shadow of the player who won the hearts of fans and has been heavily linked with a move away.
The failure to sign a right-back and a proper left-back upgrade in the summer is frankly inexcusable from the West Ham management and has costing the team dear this season.
Johnson and his agents are said to be refusing to discuss a new contract with West Ham – the same as young star Harrison Ashby.
It has been reported that West Ham are in talks with Manchester United over a deal to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the winter window.
Man United signed the fullback from Crystal Palace for £50m in the summer of 2019 (BBC Sport).
And recent reports have suggested he will try again for Wan-Bissaka in January albeit with competition from Wolves.
Reporting for the Manchester Evening News, chief Man United writer Samuel Luckhurst confirmed West Ham’s interest in bringing the former Crystal Palace star back to London.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed a deal between West Ham and Man United for the right-back could be on the cards.
Dharmesh Sheth also claims the deal for Wan-Bissaka could be on if West Ham find a taker for Coufal.
But a West Ham and Man United deal for Wan-Bissaka becomes a January window must as contract rebel Johnson fails to convince.
With Coufal injured, Johnson came back into the side for the FA Cup win at Brentford. But he showed absolutely no sign of being the answer.
One moment around 73 minutes summed Johnson’s performance up as he miscontrolled a pass into the air and was then completely outmuscled to the resulting header as Brentford were allowed to counter attack out of nothing.
Moyes was visibly furious with what he saw.
Meanwhile Wan-Bissaka was back to being on the bench as Man United boss Erik ten Hag put out his strongest side for their FA Cup win over Everton.
Earlier this week Fabrizio Romano claimed West Ham have made no progress regarding their hopes of signing Manchester United ace Wan-Bissaka.
But Moyes must get that deal over the line if he can because it is imperative if West Ham are to turn their season around.
A team is only as strong as its weakest link and full-back is certainly that for the Hammers.