Summer is approaching, and one team likely to be active in the market this year is West Ham.

Manuel Pellegrini is surely set to overhaul the Hammers squad when the transfer window opens for business, with many areas of the side set to be improved upon and players moved on who the Chilean doesn’t see as good enough move on from the club, and the east London side have already been linked with a big name.

According to AS, West Ham are interested in Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, who is set to leave the Premier League champions for first-team football elsewhere in the Premier League.

As well as being an exceptional defender, being one of Pep Guardiola’s best players last season when City won the league with 100 points, Otamendi would prove to be a great defensive partner for rising star Issa Diop, who has had a great debut season in England.

The French centre-back has the potential to grow into one of the best defenders in the league and even a possible member of his national team, and playing alongside Otamendi, who Pellegrini signed for a reported £32 million during his City days, will only improve Diop’s game and quality.

Otamendi and Diop, on paper, also look like two defenders who could well together on the pitch. Both are strong, imposing players who can chip with a goal or two from a set-piece and can read the game well from the back.

West Ham are in need of improvements everywhere on the pitch, and signing Otamendi will not only improve the team but also aid in the future development of Diop.

West Ham fans, would Otamendi help Diop progress as a player? Let us know!