West Ham remain interested in potential January moves for Burnley's James Tarkowski and Liverpool's Nat Phillips, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye up January additions

The Hammers may be enjoying another excellent season but there is certainly a need to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window, such is the extent of their injury crisis in the heart of defence.

First-choice centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma are both currently out, and the former is expected to be missing for most or all of the campaign.

With David Moyes hoping his team can push for a top-four finish and go far in the Europa League, surely at least one new face in that area is required.

The Latest: Journalist makes key claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that there is interest in both Tarkowski and Phillips, even though signing the Burnley man could prove to be difficult:

"Everything I'm told about West Ham remains focused around the centre-back options that we've heard before.

"There's Tarkowski, who will obviously be really hard to get out of Burnley, and Nat Phillips."

The Verdict: Phillips an exciting option

If Burnley refuse to sell Tarkowski this month, Phillips could be a shrewd investment instead, with the Liverpool man clearly not a key figure at Anfield, making just three appearances all season.

The 24-year-old showed what he is capable of last season, however, filling in admirably in the absence of injured trio Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, earning plenty of praise from Jurgen Klopp, who called the young Englishman 'absolutely insane' after a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Phillips averaged a whopping 5.6 aerial duels won and 4.8 clearances per game in the Premier League in 2020/21, highlighting why he could come in as an assured option for West Ham, still with plenty of potential left to fulfil as he is yet to enter his prime.

In other news, some West Ham fans are buzzing over a £200million claim. Read more here.