According to a recent report from The Sun, Patrick van Aanholt is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window. The Netherlands international currently plays his football at Premier League outfit Crystal Palace and has done so since leaving Sunderland in January 2017, with his impressive displays for the Eagles seemingly attracting interest ahead of the New Year.

And that’s because reports suggest that Italian giants Roma are eyeing up a reported £25 million bid for the left back, which is news that should be of interest to West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, who could hugely upgrade upon Aaron Cresswell were he to raid their London rivals for the Dutch defender.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, while the right back department has been a problem area of the Hammers squad for quite some time now, things aren’t exactly rosy down the other flank given the form of Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku - both clearly have ability, but aren’t able to consistently produce the goods.

Arguably, England international Cresswell enjoyed his best football at the East London outfit in years gone by and hasn’t hit those heights recently, with injury in between potentially a factor, and while DR Congo international Masuaku looks a threat going forward, his defensive capabilities leave a lot to be desired.

And with the Hammers eyeing the next level under new boss Pellegrini, they simply have to plug the problem areas of the squad if they are to challenge the Premier League’s big boys - and luring van Aanholt across the capital would certainly do just that.

The 28-year-old has proven to be one of the most impressive left backs in the English top-flight in recent years both at Palace and indeed Sunderland, with the defender doing his bit for the latter in netting four times in the 2015/16 season as they narrowly avoided the drop.

And he has continued to deliver since making the move to Roy Hodgson’s Palace, netting twice in 11 appearances in the second half of the 2016/17 campaign as the Londoners just about staved off relegation under Sam Allardyce, before bagging five times last term to help the club bounce back from a horrendous start to eventually finish 11th.

And with starts in all 17 of their Premier League matches so far this time round, it’s clear that van Aanholt continues to be a lynchpin at Selhurst Park and one the Eagles can ill-afford to lose, although earning £25 million from his exit could be of interest to chairman Steve Parish.

And Roma’s interest should also be of interest to West Ham boss Pellegrini, as the 28-year-old would certainly be an upgrade on Englishman Cresswell in the left back ranks at the London Stadium - and having flexed their financial muscle during the summer, £25 million seems like a very doable deal.

Thus, with van Aanholt’s future at Palace seemingly uncertain heading into January, the Hammers must seek to add to that uncertainty by launching a raid on the Eagles for the left back, who would in turn be a huge upgrade on Cresswell at the East London club.

West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!