West Ham face disappointment as report claims Liverpool are closing in on Ozan Kabak

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West Ham United look set to miss out to Liverpool on Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak.

In other news…Jamie Redknapp makes West Ham prediction, says one Hammer is just an ‘incredible’ player

The Hammers are interested in signing the 20-year-old Schalke defender according to a report from German publication Sport 1.

The Daily Mail are now suggesting that the Reds are now closing in on the Turkey international, however.

Liverpool are set to pay a £1.6 million loan fee for Kabak with an option to sign him permanently for £16 million in the summer.

Missing out on Kabak will be a big blow for West Ham.

We do have plenty of centre-back options at the moment but when the new season starts, Issa Diop will be our only senior centre-back under the age of 30.

West Ham blow as Liverpool win race for Ozan Kabak?

Kabak will be a fine addition for the Reds, especially considering the centre-back injury crisis Jurgen Klopp has on his hands at Anfield.

Despite Schalke’s struggles in the Bundesliga this season, the 20-year-old centre-back has really impressed.

In 14 league appearances this term, the Turkey international has averaged 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per game. The 20-year-old has also won an average of 4.1 aerial duals per game. He has made 49 passes on average per match and has recorded an impressive completion rate of 87.9% (Who Scored).

And whilst David Moyes would have been prioritising the addition of a new striker in January, missing out on Ozan Kabak will still be a big blow for West Ham.