---
title: "West Ham United: Journalist shares Niklas Stark update on Twitter"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-journalist-shares-niklas-stark-update-on-twitter/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-11-20T20:15:46Z"
modified: "2021-11-20T20:15:46Z"
---

# West Ham United: Journalist shares Niklas Stark update on Twitter

**Taking to [Twitter](https://mobile.twitter.com/Plettigoal/status/1461620304074227716), 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.

[West Ham developments](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/)

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](https://theathletic.com/news/ogbonna-ruled-out-for-season-with-acl-injury-confirms-west-ham-manager-moyes/KxfZmlLcGXEI/)).

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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-tarkowski-very-keen-to-join-west-ham-as-burnley-price-tag-tumbles/) and Bundesliga ace Stark ([The Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10220903/West-Ham-keeping-eye-Hertha-Berlin-centre-Niklas-Stark.html)), with a German source now sharing an update on Twitter.

\[freshpress-poll id=”380597″\]

### The Latest: Journalist shares Stark update…

Taking to [social media](https://mobile.twitter.com/Plettigoal/status/1461620304074227716), Plettenberg of Sport 1 has made a promising claim – going on to say that talks between West Ham and Hertha have now taken place.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”375613″\]

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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-tarkowski-very-keen-to-join-west-ham-as-burnley-price-tag-tumbles/) 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](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/131464/Show/James-Tarkowski) averaged this season according to [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/124597/Show/Niklas-Stark), while Stark has managed a [higher rate of clearances](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/124597/Show/Niklas-Stark) 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](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/131464/Show/James-Tarkowski) compared to Stark’s 2.2 ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/124597/Show/Niklas-Stark)).

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.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-transfer-rumours/west-ham-united-irons-join-julian-alvarez-transfer-race/)***