West Ham would significantly bolster the right side of their defence with the signing of Manchester United defender Guillermo Varela.
Varela, 24, has spent the entire season on loan with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, with the German club ready to make the deal permanent even though he has only made 10 appearances in Germany.
Board member Fredi Bobic revealed on Frankfurt’s official website that the Uruguayan went against club wishes to get a tattoo, which has now got infected and ruled him out of the German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund.
Now suspended, This Is Futbol analyses three reasons why Varela would vastly improve Slaven Bilic’s side as the Hammers look to put a disappointing 2016-17 campaign behind them.
Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa
The duo have been plagued with constant injury problems throughout the season, leaving the likes of Michail Antonio, Havard Nordtveit and Cheikhou Kouyate to fill in at right-back on numerous occasions. Bringing in reinforcements at right-back would prove crucial in aiding Bilic’s side next time around, and Varela would more than do that. Arbeloa’s current deal is now set to expire in just over a month, while former Leeds ace Byram’s displays have been short of convincing. With the Hammers known to chop and change between 4-2-3-1 and a system that uses wing-backs, a right-back who gets forward is key and Varela provides just that.
Contract situation at Old Trafford
With only 12 months left on his current deal at Old Trafford, Varela could be allowed to leave on the cheap this summer as United look to avoid losing him on a free transfer next season. Bilic may not be trusted with a huge amount to spend in the transfer window, after a number of poor signings in the summer of 2016 including the likes of Arbeloa, Nordtveit, Simone Zaza and Gokhan Tore. If a cut-price deal can be struck for Varela, then Bilic would be able to save the majority of his transfer budget to improve other areas of his squad.
Premier League potential
Varela has made just four Premier League appearances during his career, after moving to Old Trafford back in the summer of 2013. The Uruguay Under-20 international showed no fear and raw talent as he went up against West Ham, Bournemouth, Arsenal and Watford during 2015-16. Able to get forward and throw cross into the box, showing a combative nature and willing to put his body on the line, Varela could be an untapped gem that Premier League bosses have overlooked.