West Ham United are ‘interested’ in a January move for New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long, according to Major League Soccer (MLS) insider Tom Bogert.
The Lowdown: Free agent in January
The American’s contract in the MLS is set to expire at the end of December, making him a free agent in the winter market, and he’s already attracting plenty of potential suitors.
The Irons tried to sign the 30-year-old back in 2020 but saw an offer rejected, so it comes as no surprise to learn that GSBK are pursuing this second golden opportunity to try and bring their long-term target to the Premier League.
The Latest: West Ham eyeing Long
Taking to Twitter, Bogert revealed that West Ham are monitoring Long, although any official contact is unlikely to take place until after the World Cup, for which the defender has been named in the USA squad.
He wrote: “Teams I'm expecting to be in the market for Aaron Long in MLS free agency are the LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas and more.
“There is interest in Long in England like Bournemouth, West Ham & others, I'm told. Not expecting serious movement here until after the World Cup.”
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The Verdict: Dawson replacement
Veteran defender Craig Dawson reportedly wants to leave the London Stadium in the New Year, and Long would be the perfect replacement should the 32-year-old depart.
Hailed for his ‘big voice’ on the field by his former coach Chris Armas, the centre-back offers a threat for his team at both ends of the pitch.
He has made seven goal contributions this season and is currently averaging 3.7 successful aerial duels and 2.6 clearances per league game (WhoScored). Those returns would put him first and fourth respectively among West Ham's squad.
Long is also captain of the Red Bulls, so he would bring that leadership experience at the back which could be missing if Dawson were to depart east London.