According to transfer 'insider' Graeme Bailey, writing for 90min, West Ham United have set their sights on a fresh target as news emerges on Lille defender Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defensive crisis...

Injuries to both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have prompted David Moyes to search for new centre-back signings in the looming January transfer window.

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Premier League trio James Tarkowksi, Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Phillips are the most heavily linked with a move to the London Stadium as things stand, but that hasn't stopped other names from entering the fray.

Recently, a report from Italy claimed that West Ham could set their sights on Torino powerhouse Gleison Bremer, Juventus outcast Daniele Rugani or Fiorentina's Nikola Milenkovic (Calciomercato).

Now, as per 90min, it appears that Moyes and transfer chief Rob Newman have another new name on the agenda.

The Latest: Transfer insider breaks news...

According to transfer insider Bailey, writing for 90min, West Ham have made a pre-January approach to sign Ligue 1 sensation Botman in the form of an enquiry.

It is believed that the 21-year-old is attracting plenty of interest, especially from Newcastle who have made him a top target, while the Dutchman's agents have also made known his possible availability.

The Verdict: Get it done...

Lille have apparently slapped a price tag of around €25m-€30m (£21.2m-£25.4m) on their star defender (La Gazzetta via Milan News), and for that price he would be an absolute steal.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, team-mate and former Irons defender Jose Fonte is a huge fan, apparently calling Botman a 'machine' and a man 'who doesn’t make mistakes' behind the scenes (via Planet Football).

The Dutchman has also averaged an impressive 4.6 clearances per 90 in the French top flight this season, with only Kurt Zouma bettering those numbers for West Ham in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Botman is also a more accurate passer of the ball out from defence than any of Moyes' current crop, finding his teammates 85.8% of the time, highlighting a degree of composure at such a young age.

His ceiling appears to be vast, with a maximum cost of £25.4m looking like an absolute steal.

In other news: Newman also exploring offer to sign 'underrated' £28.8m ace who's now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.