West Ham United have set their sights on Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton, with David Moyes desperate for defensive reinforcements.
According to The Telegraph, West Ham’s search for a new centre-back has led them towards Jannik Vestergaard. The Southampton defender has emerged as the latest entry to a long list of candidates as David Moyes grows desperate to bolster his options at the heart of the backline.
There were already question marks over West Ham’s lack of depth in defence prior to the summer transfer window. They had only four options, three of which are already well past their 30s. The situation has now gotten even worse with their most experienced centre-back Angelo Ogbonna picking up an injury during a friendly against Celtic.
The Hammers, therefore, are weighing up a move for Jannik Vestergaard in their attempts to shore up their options in defence. The Danish international doesn’t offer the youthful exuberance to the table, but he does bring loads of experience. He has featured in a combined total of 257 top-flight matches during his time in England and Germany.
In the Premier League, Vestergaard has been an ever-present figure in the Southampton backline. His imposing 1.99m frame makes him one of the most aerially dominant centre-backs in the league. He can also be a threat from set-pieces, having scored thrice last season.
The former Gladbach star can be an ideal option for West Ham. His imposing figure should tune in well with the equally dominant figure of Issa Diop. Although the two may not offer much variety, they can fit in effortlessly in Moyes’ tactical setup that largely revolves around counter-attacks.
That said, Vestergaard is surely not West Ham’s first-choice option at centre-back. They are strongly linked with a move to Kurt Zouma, though the Chelsea star appears to have rejected the chance to join the Hammers.
Despite the setback, the club is on the hunt for several other options and are pretty much in contention to sign Croatian international Duje Caleta-Car. At the age of 24, the Marseille centre-back offers more long-term value than Vestergaard, who is already nearing his 30s, potentially making him an undesirable option for a West Ham side that already boasts an ageing defensive unit.
But the fact that Vestergaard is in the final year of his contract with Southampton and may be available for a bargain price is sure to appeal to the east London outfit. It remains to be seen who Moyes & co. end up signing before the transfer window slams shut.
