West Ham United could 'tick a lot of boxes' by signing Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly, according to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: West Ham linked with Bailly

The Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the Red Devils would be open to letting the 28-year-old leave permanently this window, with the Premier League side currently considering offers from both Marseille and Monaco.

The report also name-checked the Irons as one of several clubs who are monitoring the Ivorian’s transfer situation, though it’s stated that David Moyes is more likely to favour a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Thilo Kehrer, having already submitted an official bid for the German.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s backs move

O’Rourke, speaking to The Transfer Tavern, believes that Bailly ‘would tick a lot of boxes’ for West Ham, and says he could see them trying their luck before deadline day.

“Bailly does seem like he is on the market from Manchester United, he’s not going to be playing too often for Erik ten Hag’s side. There have been lots of links with a possible move to Spain and also to Monaco.

"I think he ticks a lot of boxes for West Ham as he has got Premier League experience.”

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The Verdict: Risky?

As much as the Irons need to buy a new central defender before September 1, Moyes could regret making this move.

The 46-cap international, dubbed a ‘beast’ by former United teammate Jesse Lingard, is definitely a huge talent with bags of untapped potential, but he only made three league starts for the Red Devils last season and so would likely require a lot of time to get up to speed and reach full fitness levels.

Bailly has a history of being hampered by injuries throughout his career, and after the crisis of defenders being ruled out of action for the Hammers last season, the Scotsman could do without adding another potential future casualty to his ranks.