Premier League enforcers Alfie Mawson and Lewis Dunk are David Moyes’ top transfer targets in the summer for West Ham, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claim that Hammers chairman David Sullivan is promising a bumper spend in the next transfer window, to make up for past failures, and that Moyes has made it the club’s priority to sign a new defender.
The Daily Star report that Moyes wants to bring in a tough, commanding centre back with top-flight experience to help solve his side’s defensive issues and has identified Brighton’s Dunk and Swansea’s Mawson as his top targets.
It is believed that the Swans would want in the region of £40million for the 6ft 1in tall Mawson, with both Manchester United and Tottenham keeping an eye on him too.
The Daily Star’s report also states that while the Seagulls’ 6ft 4in tall Dunk would be a cheaper option than Mawson, Brighton do not currently want to sell their centre-back.
Good move for West Ham?
If the Hammers managed to sign both Premier League giants, the club would not have any problems defensively next season.
However signing just one of them could also make a real difference.
Mawson,24, and Dunk,26, have both proven themselves to be capable enforcers in England’s top-flight by regularly appearing for their sides this season.
Also both defenders are comfortable with the ball at their feet and could easily play a style that would help their side keep clean sheets, but also excite the Hammers’ supporters who don’t want to see long-balls constantly played out from the back.
The Hammers are desperately in need of revamping their defence as only Stoke City have conceded more Premier League goals during this campaign, and Moyes has picked two good options that would fix his side’s woes.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
The Daily Star claim that the Hammers have yet to finalise their transfer policy, nor has Moyes signed a new contract with his current deal expiring in the summer, so it’s too early to say.
Only when the club secure their Premier League status for next season will we see who the club are truly interested in signing.
However as the newspaper states the Hammers were linked with making moves for both players in the last window.
Also with Mawson potentially costing £40million and Dunk, who has four years left on his Brighton contract, probably commanding a huge fee then the Hammers might opt to go for some more reasonably priced options.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10