West Ham’s search for a centre-back could see them lean towards Kortney Hause if Aston Villa indicates their willingness to sell.
According to Football Insider, West Ham United manager David Moyes might pursue Kortney Hause from Aston Villa as his centre-back signing despite having an eye on other targets. The 26-year-old might find it difficult to get game time at Villa and opt for a move if the Hammers come by.
West Ham have been keen on signing a centre-back in this transfer window but have been nowhere near one. Multiple players have been targeted to fulfil this requirement, and Moyes might be forced to look towards Kortney Hause of Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old has become a bit-part player under Dean Smith after signing from Wolves in a £3 million deal in 2019. However, since that point, Hause has featured only 46 times for the Midlands club and finds himself down the pecking order behind Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.
He might find himself fourth choice now after Villa signed Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United. While Smith’s side will majorly compete in the Premier League, Hause can only hope to get cup games at best. A transfer away would be a good idea to further his career.
He also falls under the age profile category of defender the Hammers are looking for. Moyes currently has Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson as his options at centre-back. The latter two are in their thirties, and Diop has largely been inconsistent. However, the need for a younger defender is imminent, and many names have been linked.
Nikola Milenkovic was one target, but Spurs might pip them after talks broke down between the Hammers and Fiorentina. Then there was Rennes’ 25-year-old Nayef Aguerd, for whom the Hammers were prepared to pay £17 million, but that deal is off the table as well.
The Hammers are yet to get any indication from Aston Villa and their willingness to sanction a sale for Hause, but the London side are confident. Villa have already invested heavily in players and might find this opportunity tempting to cash in on a player barely used by Smith.
As for Hause, a move may be tempting and challenging at the same time. He will face a similar problem at West Ham to dislodge the current top pairing but could get more playing time in cup games and the Europa League if a move materialises.
