West Ham talks with Jacob Greaves have progressed positively as the Irons look to sign the defender as part of a “big summer”, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported via the paper’s website on 29 April that discussions with the Hull City centre-back “have moved in the right direction”, with the club also interested in signing exit-bound Fulham man Tosin Adarabioyo.
West Ham are looking to boost their homegrown quota and are planning to sign as many as eight new players at the end of the season, with Coventry attacking midfielder Callum O’Hare a target.
The Hammers considered making a move for Greaves, 23, in the January window [Mirror, 5 March] and are now moving ahead with an attempt to sign the Championship stand-out, who was recognised as one of the two leading men at his position in the second tier as he was named in the division’s Team of the Season at the EFL Awards.
West Ham to secure new domestic defender?
There are doubts over the futures of most of the current West Ham central defenders so it appears Tim Steidten is being tasked with providing a new-look back line for next season.
Nayef Aguerd has repeatedly been linked with a move away since his arrival two seasons ago, while captain Kurt Zouma is also believed to be attracting transfer interest.
Angelo Ogbonna’s contract is also set to expire at the end of the season and the Italian will be turning 36 next month either way.
Konstantinos Mavropanos only arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer so would likely be expected to stay, but has equally not made himself indispensable if an offer came in, while Thilo Kehrer departed on loan in January and isn’t anticipated to return.
Since the defence, traditionally such a strength under David Moyes, has been breached with far too much ease this season, in what looks to be the Scot’s last at the club, an upgrade certainly looks necessary.
And if the manager is indeed replaced in the summer it could now be a very different squad who his replacement takes over.
