West Ham United are out of the running for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car, leaving Aston Villa as firm favourites for the Croatian.
According to Football Insider, West Ham United are set to drop out of the race for Duje Caleta-Car, with the club’s head of recruitment, Rob Newman opting not to sign the defender. The decision could leave Aston Villa as the favourites to sign the Croatian defender from Marseille in the summer.
West Ham United looked poised to sign at least one central defender in January, as David Moyes was desperate to improve his squad’s depth. The central defence was a position the manager wanted to reinforce, considering they had a strenuous schedule in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League ahead of them.
West Ham United were in talks with a few reported targets but finished the window without making a defensive signing. They were in discussions with Duje Caleta-Car, although Marseille’s willingness to keep hold of their key player for the rest of the season prevented a move from materialising.
West Ham were reported to have retained retain an interest in the Croatian ahead of the summer window. But it seems they are out 0f the race as things stand. The club’s head of recruitment, Rob Newman has seemingly taken the player out of his shortlist, feeling the defender may not suit the team.
With West Ham bowing out of the equation, it leaves Aston Villa as the clear favourites to land Caleta-Car in the summer. The Midlands side have been interested in the Croatian for some time now as Steven Gerrard eyes a new central defender to shore up the backline.
The former Rangers boss is not convinced by either Ezri Konsa or Tyrone Mings, with the duo showing lack of leadership required for a club aiming to get into European places. Villa have been unable to challenge for a top-half finish this term due to a leaky backline, which does not instill belief heading into the new season.
Aston Villa are also keen on Mathias Ginter in the next window, although the German would like to play for a club playing European football. The primary requirement for the manager is to bring in a physical, dominating defender and Caleta-Car could be the solution.
Caleta-Car has been a top player for Marseille this season. The 25-year-old’s partnership alongside Arsenal loanee William Saliba has been rock solid, although the potential departure of both those players in the summer could come as a bitter blow for the French giants.
As things stand, Caleta-Car will have a year left on his deal with Marseille, which will force the French giants to sell the defender or risk losing him on a free transfer in 2023. With West Ham out of the picture, Aston Villa can steal the march and bring the centre-back to the Premier League.