West Ham United are considering a January approach for Dan-Axel Zagadou if they end up losing key defender Nayef Aguerd.
According to The Sun, West Ham United have set sights on Dan-Axel Zagadou ahead of January. The Hammers fear for the future of key defender Nayef Aguerd, who has links to multiple clubs, including a move back to France.
West Ham United and the Need for a Centre-Back
West Ham are planning for their business in the January transfer window, with David Moyes keen to sign some players to improve the squad. A striker remains a priority for the manager, considering they lack options in the front three.
Michail Antonio’s injury aside, Moyes wanted a new striker to replace summer departure Gianluca Scamacca. VfB Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy remains a crucial target for the Hammers, although there are several others on their shortlist if needed. West Ham are now keen on another Stuttgart player in defender Dan-Axel Zagadou.
The 24-year-old Frenchman has had a fantastic season for the high-flying Bundesliga outfit, propelling them to fourth spot on the table after playing 14 games so far. The Hammers held an interest in the 6ft6in defender when he left Borussia Dortmund as a free agent. But Stuttgart eventually signed the 24-year-old Frenchman.
The Bundesliga side could lose him prematurely if West Ham makes a serious effort, but they might demand a sizeable fee. The Hammers have seen links to a specifically left-footed central defender recently after rumours suggested Nayef Aguerd could potentially depart in January. Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie remains a target, but Moyes would ideally love to keep the Moroccan in his side.
Aguerd has the interest of big clubs like Liverpool, who are incidentally in the market for a left-footed centre-back. The report, however, claims Aguerd does not feel comfortable in the Premier League and may want to return to France, where he was a brilliant performer.
If he does leave, then West Ham would like to raid Stuttgart for another one of their centre-backs after signing Dinos Mavropanos in the summer. The Greek international has played a bit-part role since but has come in handy in the Europa League. As the January transfer window approaches closer, more clubs could ponder approaching Stuttgart for the 24-year-old Frenchman, although West Ham can make their presence felt early.
