West Ham United have held 'negotiations' to sign free agent defender Dan Axel-Zagadou this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye new defender...

It is has been reliably reported that the Irons and manager David Moyes are eager to sign a new central defender amid a real shortage of quality options.

Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna remain unavailable for first team selection whilst Craig Dawson could leave after 2022/2023 with just one year left on his deal (ExWHUemployee).

There are also some concerns at the Premier League club surrounding Kurt Zouma's injury history and former Hammers defender Issa Diop has just joined Fulham, prompting Moyes and co to look at transfer market options.

The Latest: Zagadou 'negotiations' held...

As relayed by club insider Claret & Hugh, there has been 'talk' of discussions to sign Zagadou following his release from Borussia Dortmund.

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Indeed, it is believed that West Ham 'negotiations' have been held with the 23 -year-old as the east Londoners scour the market for available options - including Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer.

The Verdict: Good option?

The clear downside of a potential move for Zagadou comes in the form of a very questionable injury history but, if the player can put those fitness doubts behind him, he could be a good option for West Ham.

Former Dortmund boss Marco Rose, speaking mid-way through last season, hailed the 6 foot 5 defender as 'excellent' and a 'very important' player for the team - even hoping the would sign an extension with the club (via Fansided).

Meanwhile, their midfielder Julian Brandt has also praised Zagadou as an 'incredible player'.