Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that Thilo Kehrer could decide to move a Champions League club amid interest from West Ham United.
According to Sky Sports, the Hammers have made a second bid for Kehrer, having seen their first bid rejected by Paris Saint-Germain.
The German defender has one year remaining on his contract in the French capital and has emerged as an option for David Moyes off the back of an injury to summer arrival Nayef Aguerd.
Ben Johnson was brought in to deputise at centre-back, with the Irons only able to field one natural centre-half in Sunday’s season opener with Manchester City.
However, in a potential blow to their pursuit of Kehrer, Sheth has confirmed that La Liga outfit Sevilla are also keen and can offer the 25-year-old something the east London side cannot.
Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, he said: “This one’s ongoing. West Ham have held initial talks with Paris Saint-Germain over signing the defender because that is the priority now for West Ham United and David Moyes.
“Sevilla, though, are also interested and maybe not such good news for West Ham United is that Sevilla can offer Champions League football. Let’s see which one he chooses.”
TIF Thoughts on Kehrer and West Ham…
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The 20-cap German ace would be a very shrewd capture for Moyes’ men given that he is extremely versatile, as he is able to play at right-back and in defensive midfield as well as at the heart of the defence.
While seen as a backup, Kehrer still managed 34 appearances in all competitions for PSG last season, managing 16 starts in Ligue 1, and albeit in a slightly less competitive division, he ranks in the top 1% of all centre-backs across Europe for pass completion with 94.8% (as per FBref).
At the right price, it would certainly be worth Rob Newman’s time to try and fend off interest from elsewhere as given the injury trepidation surrounding the club’s other options in central defence – namely Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna – he is a player that could be needed.