West Ham United are in talks with free agent centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou after his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Hammers’ centre-back signings

The Hammers were hard at work in the transfer market this summer as they looked to add a new central defender to David Moyes’ back-line.

Towards the beginning of the window, the east London club announced the signing of Nayef Aguerd from Rennes, completing a £30m deal.

However, the 26-year-old suffered a serious injury during pre-season and West Ham headed back into the transfer market to find a quick replacement, securing Paris Saint-Germain centre-half Thilo Kehrer.

The Latest: Zagadou interest

Despite West Ham’s double defensive additions this summer, the club have allegedly entered talks for a free agent.

Taking to Twitter, journalist Pedro Almeida claimed:

“Zagadou to West Ham. English club is in direct talks with French player agent. #WHUFC”

The 23-year-old left Dortmund this summer after his contract with the club expired.

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The Verdict: Great free signing

With injuries to Aguerd, Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson, the Hammers could do with an extra defensive player to keep them going until the January transfer window.

Consequently, Zagadou’s underlying stats illustrate why he could be an excellent free transfer for Moyes’ side, as they prepare for their busy upcoming schedule.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Frenchman ranks in the 99th percentile for passes attempted, the 98th percentile for aerials won and in the 91st percentile for progressive carries, implying he has impressive ball-playing abilities to partner his dominance in the air.

Hailed as an ‘unbelievable’ player by Dortmund teammate Julian Brandt earlier this year, the 23-year-old could be the perfect addition for West Ham to sign on a free transfer.