Taking to Twitter, Sport 1 reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared a promising development as West Ham eye Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark.

The Lowdown: West Ham target new defender...

Angelo Ogbonna's anterior cruciate ligament injury has been at the centre of discussion in recent weeks as manager David Moyes reportedly eyes an emergency reinforcement.

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The Italian sustained the serious knock in West Ham's 3-2 victory over Liverpool just before the international break and their manager has since confirmed he will require surgery (The Athletic).

Moyes also believes he could be out for the remainder of 2021/2022 in what is a big blow for West Ham, prompting rumours of a possible centre-back signing in January.

The Hammers could now back him to sign a new defender as links emerge to Burnley star James Tarkowski and Bundesliga ace Stark (The Daily Mail), with a German source now sharing an update on Twitter.

The Latest: Journalist shares Stark update...

Taking to social media, Plettenberg of Sport 1 has made a promising claim - going on to say that talks between West Ham and Hertha have now taken place.

He also says that Stark himself is 'interested' in the prospect of an east London move as Moyes personally eyes a move.

"West Ham is highly interested. First talks have taken place," he explained.

"WHU need to replace Ogbonna. Moyes wants him. Player is also interested but he also feels comfortable at Hertha.

"The club wants to make the deal in winter. He is a free agent 2022."

The Verdict: Ideal?

Out of Tarkowski and the Hertha defender, West Ham could secure either man for a bargain fee as both their contracts expire at the end of this season as things stand.

Football Insider say Burnley have reduced their asking price for the former to £20 million heading into January, while it is currently unclear how much Hertha could demand for Stark.

In terms of quality, Tarkowski reigns supreme with tackles and interceptions per 90 averaged this season according to WhoScored, while Stark has managed a higher rate of clearances in that time.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 3, Hertha's mainstay still hasn't equaled Tarkowski's rate of aerial duels won over 2021/2022 - with the Englishman winning four per match on average compared to Stark's 2.2 (WhoScored).

The Clarets star's experience in the Premier League could also make him a more favourable signing and we believe £20m could be a fair price to pay for the international.

As talks take place for Stark, we believe a swoop for Tarkowski may actually make more sense.

In other news: West Ham join race to sign 'amazing' 19-goal striker who's been likened to Cavani and a lion, find out more here.