As per The Evening Standard, an update has emerged involving Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and West Ham's plans for January.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defensive crisis...

After injuries to both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, the Irons have been left short of options at the back, with manager David Moyes having just Issa Diop and Craig Dawson at his disposal.

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This has prompted the club to look at their options in the transfer market, with the likes of James Tarkowski and Nathaniel Phillips already linked.

The Championship could also be a source for Moyes as West Ham have reportedly sent scouts to watch QPR defender Rob Dickie, Middlesbrough mainstay Dael Fry and Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly (90min).

The Latest: West Ham weigh Ake loan bid...

As per The Evening Standard, Moyes is personally keen on signing a left-footed centre-half as West Ham weigh up a January loan bid for Ake.

The Netherlands international, who has been featuring more often for City this season, is now on the Irons' agenda amid their injury woes, and Moyes wants a player of the 26-year-old's ilk to bring balance to the back four.

The Verdict: Right move?

Described as 'underrated' by international teammate and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, bypassing Ake's £28.8m valuation (Transfermarkt) and bringing him in on a temporary basis would be an astute bit of business from West Ham's perspective.

However, City boss Pep Guardiola could arguably wish to keep the 26-year-old at Eastlands for the time being, with his squad having suffered from player availability emergencies as of late. For instance, centre-back Aymeric Laporte missed the trip to RB Leipzig on Tuesday night with a minor knock, so Guardiola may want Ake around for cover.

While it would be a hard move to pull off, especially mid-season, there is little arguing that Ake would improve West Ham's defence, with Guardiola himself recently calling the Dutchman 'focused', 'intelligent' and a 'joy to have' (mancity.com).

In other news: West Ham could now back Moyes with £17.1m bid to sign 6 foot 3 powerhouse in January, find out more here.