West Ham United are reportedly on the hunt for four players in January including a centre back.
According to a report from Spanish media outlet AS, West Ham are ready to activate Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez’s €30 million (£25.7 million) release clause in January.
The Hammers really need to strengthen in central defence.
West Ham on the hunt for a new centre back
Angelo Ogbonna has arguably been West Ham’s best player this season. But he is the wrong side of 31.
Winston Reid has not played for nearly two years while Fabian Balbuena blows hot and cold.
Then there is young Goncalo Cardoso who arrived in the summer but has thus far failed to force his way into a defence that has been leaking goals for the last three months.
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The answer could come from Old Trafford with Manchester United preparing a clear out.
The Red Red could be the answer
As reported by The Times and The Daily Mail, Manchester United will listen to offers for both Nemanja Matic and Marcos Rojo – the Red Red – who have both made just three Premier League appearances each this season.
Rojo has suffered with injuries over the years. But when fit and firing he has proved a quality centre half as 63 Argentina caps testifies.
Rojo is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford despite being capable of playing at centre-back or left-back. And that could play into West Ham’s hands as he may be available for a relatively cheap fee.
Hammers must resist fading Matic
The Hammers also need a defensive midfielder. But they should resist the urge to make it a Red Devils double deal by signing Matic too.
The Serbian is out of contract in the summer. So Manchester United are keen to recoup some money on him in January.
Matic, 31, has struggled with injuries but has often not been used by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he has been available.
West Ham need a young, hungry, athletic midfielder to complement Declan Rice in the heart of the Hammers midfield.
So Matic is not the answer, even if he will be available on the cheap.
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