West Ham United have muscled in for a World Cup star Wolves thought they had a free run at signing after a new Harry Souttar report.
Anyone watching West Ham or Wolverhampton Wanderers this season will be under no illusions where they need to strengthen.
Wolves clearly need defensive reinforcements and while West Ham’s issues are at the other end of the pitch, they too have started shipping sloppy goals as the pressure mounts.
When West Ham have Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd fit they will be a different team defensively.
But ironically West Ham could need another defender in January if – as has been rumoured – Craig Dawson is allowed to join Wolves, a move which was close to happening in the summer window.
It seems David Moyes already has an eye on a potential replacement and it is bad news for Julen Lopetegui.
Because West Ham are muscling in for a World Cup star Wolves thought they had a free run at signing after a new Harry Souttar report.
Wolves have been heavily linked with Australia and Stoke centre-back Souttar since Lopetegui’s arrival.
But according to an exclusive from TEAMtalk, West Ham have muscled in on a deal for the ‘outstanding’ defender.
“Newly-appointed Wolves manager Julen Lopetgeui is eyeing a January move for Australia’s World Cup star Harry Souttar to bolster his side’s defensive options, TEAMtalk has learned,” the report states.
“Now we understand that Stoke are bracing themselves for interest in the giant 6ft 6in defender in January.
“And the Potters would find it hard to resist any sizeable offers for the Scottish-born star…
“However, Wolves are far from alone in their pursuit of Souttar. TEAMtalk also understands that the 13-times capped defender is also on West Ham’s radar too.”
Stoke centre-back Souttar was one of the stand-out performers for Australia at the World Cup.
The 24-year-old featured in every game as the Socceroos surprised plenty to reach the last 16 where they lost in brave fashion to eventual winners Argentina.
Souttar would undoubtedly be a useful signing for West Ham or Wolves.
If West Ham did get the centre-back from Stoke then it could open the door for Dawson to leave – perhaps for Wolves.
Conversely, if Wolves get him then it seems unlikely they would sign Dawson too.
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