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Speaking live on Thursday during Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show, as transcribed by West Ham Zone, Kaveh Solhekol has made a claim involving the Irons and Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
The Lowdown: West Ham in defender hunt?
Despite summer signing Kurt Zouma edging closer to a return from injury, manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman have still been tipped to potentially sign a centre-back this month.
At one point, it was seen as more of a major priority for the Irons due to Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna’s absences from the squad with names like Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Liverpool Nathaniel Phillips repeatedly linked.
As the January 31 deadline looms, West Ham’s search for a major mid-season signing goes on, with Solhekol now sharing what he knows after speculation arose that the Hammers may be the unnamed London side to match Newcastle United’s bid for Carlos.
The Latest: Solhekol makes live TV claim…
Making on air claim involving West Ham and the 28-year-old, Sky’s reporter has moved quickly to quash any rumours that Moyes’ men are the mystery club.
“I know for a fact it’s not West Ham United,” he said (via WHZ).
“That leaves Chelsea, Spurs, Crystal Palace and I’m not sure Crystal Palace are looking to sign a centre-back or spend £30million on a centre-back.”
The Verdict: No surprise…
The colossal Brazilian, if West Ham had tabled the bid, would arguably excite fans going by his reputation – but the player’s price tag could represent too much of a hurdle for GSB.
Lauded as a ‘beast’ and ‘revelation’ by Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak, Carlos has averaged an impressive 3.6 clearances per 90 over his 20 Spanish top flight starts this campaign (WhoScored).
By comparison to West Ham’s current crop, only Zouma has managed more in that time (5.2) – perhaps indicating he would have been an complimentary partner in Moyes’ central defence.
Alas, with the Irons not in contention after all, it appears the Scotsman may have his sights set on other defensive targets, and perhaps ones with a cheaper price tag.
In other news: ExWHUemployee: West Ham agreement to sign ‘world class’ £17.10m striker ‘there to be done’, find out more here.
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