West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United prospect Di’Shon Bernard in the summer transfer window.
According to the print edition of Sunday Mirror (h/t HITC), West Ham United have set their sights on a summer swoop for Manchester United defender Di’Shon Bernard.
The youngster started at the Chelsea youth setup before switching to Manchester United’s academy in 2017. Since then, Bernard has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks at the Mancunian outfit, going on to make over 50 appearances for the club’s Under-18 and Under-23 teams combined.
Di’Shon Bernard made his first-team debut for Manchester United in November 2019, which remains his only senior appearance so far. The 21-year-old defender spent the last season out on loan at Salford City and played 30 times. Upon returning to United, he was shipped out on loan again, this time to Championship club Hull City.
Bernard has been fairly regular in the side for the second division club, making 28 appearances in all competitions. His promise and potential have seemingly alerted West Ham United manager David Moyes, who now wishes to sign the London-born defender in the summer.
West Ham United will likely need to reinforce their backline before next season. Angelo Ogbonna will be out of contract this summer. Even if his deal is extended, the Italian is not getting any younger and will be coming into the next term on the back of a serious injury. Furthermore, question marks linger over the future of Issa Diop, who is linked with a return to France.
So, a new centre-back could become a necessity at the London Stadium come summer. A move for long-term target Nikola Milenkovic is believed to be in the works. But Moyes is keeping his options open and has identified Bernard as a prospective target due to the Manchester United prospect’s immense potential.
The report states that West Ham scouts have watched the 21-year-old in action this season and have been impressed by what they have seen. Manchester United rate Bernard highly, but his pathway to the first team at Old Trafford is quite complicated. Things would get more difficult with the Red Devils eyeing another defensive signing this summer.
So, Bernard could be tempted by the prospect of signing for West Ham, where he could have a faster route to regular Premier League football. He has two years left on his contract with Manchester United, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for the youngster.