West Ham’s new top target to bolster their central defence is Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson after reportedly seeing a bid turned down for Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Sun reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that after Sky Sports claimed the Irons had failed in their attempts for the Magpies captain, Manuel Pellegrini has turned his attentions to 6’1″ English enforcer Mawson, having been relegated from the Premier League with the Swans last season.
The 24-year-old appeared in every single minute of Swansea’s ill fated Premier League campaign last season, and has a total of 65 top flight appearances under his belt.
Good move for West Ham?
Both Mawson and Lascelles are proven English talents in the division and so it is no surprise that the Hammers have switched from one to the other in their hunt to bolster their backline.
The Swansea man might have been relegated last term but that should take nothing away from his performances, for he was the shining light in a disappointing team.
His power and composure make him a resolute stopper at the back and there is very little which gets past him, especially when it comes to dealing with aerial threats.
With Winston Reid confirmed to be out until October, a new defender is needed, and Mawson fits the bill.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It seems likely that Mawson would be open to a return to the top flight after relegation, but it all depends on whether Swansea and West Ham can agree a suitable fee for his sale.
The Swans would love to keep him in the Championship to help mount their bid for an immediate return, but convincing him to remain when the Hammers are circling could prove an impossible task.
If the Irons place the right bid, he will be off.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10