West Ham United at the moment are battling Manchester Metropolis for the signature of an “ice-cold” centre-back, having struggled defensively to this point this season.
West Ham step up pursuit of latest centre-back
It’s changing into obvious that one in all West Ham’s foremost priorities this month is to herald a brand new centre-back, having recognized a plethora of targets, together with Braga’s Vibrant Arrey-Mbi, Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell and RB Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu.
Former Hammers defender Matt Upson has been notably important of Nuno’s present choices in defence, saying: “My largest problem with Mavropanos, Kilman and Todibo is that they don’t have any clue about consciousness of head motion and marking within the field.
“It doesn’t matter how large and robust you might be, they get achieved with motion on a regular basis and that Burnley sport highlights why. The cross earlier than Flemming’s purpose took ages to get into the field and Kilman doesn’t make it tough for him to attain.”
The Irons discover themselves in deep trouble, presently sitting seven factors from security, and there are some difficult fixtures on the horizon, taking over the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United earlier than the center of February.
As such, a serious rebuild could also be wanted on the coronary heart of defence, and West Ham have now joined the race for one more centre-back, in response to a report from Calciomercato IT (by way of Sport Witness), which credit them with an curiosity in Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi.
There could also be main competitors for Lucumi’s signature, nonetheless, with Premier League title-hopefuls Man Metropolis additionally named as potential suitors, alongside Sunderland, and there’s a feeling that another unnamed English golf equipment may come ahead.
A deal could possibly be achieved for the comparatively low payment of €15m (£13m) in the summertime switch window, however the Italian membership have dominated out a departure this month, which suggests the Hammers could solely be capable to make a transfer in the event that they keep away from relegation.
“Ice-cold” Lucumi could possibly be Kilman improve
The Colombian, who’s sarcastically represented by the identical company as Kilman, has displayed an actual skill to win again possession over the previous 12 months, vastly outperforming the West Ham defender by way of tackles and interceptions accomplished per 90.
|
Common per 90 (previous 12 months) |
Max Kilman |
Jhon Lucumi |
|
Tackles |
1.11 (twenty second percentile) |
1.96 (eighty fifth percentile) |
|
Interceptions |
0.63 (seventh percentile) |
1.22 (sixty fifth percentile) |
As such, there are clear indicators the 27-year-old could possibly be an improve on the Englishman, and scout Ben Mattinson has advisable him to the Hammers prior to now, describing the Bologna star as “ice-cold” and claiming he would complement Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Nonetheless, it’s vital the Irons get at the very least one new centre-back by way of the door this month, having conceded extra objectives than some other Premier League facet this season.
With Lucumi seemingly not going to be obtainable till the summer season, at which level it’s wanting probably the Hammers will probably be a Championship facet, they need to transfer on to different targets, of which there isn’t any scarcity.