West Ham United have been trying to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah ‘for a number of weeks’ but prefer a loan deal initially as the transfer deadline approaches, according to reliable Hammers source ExWHUemployee.
Links to the Germany international defender have emerged as the transfer window enters its final day, with the cut-off for new Irons signings 11pm on Monday night.
Tah, 24, is an exciting potential West Ham signing, with the Germany international boasting plenty of Bundesliga and Champions League experience.
The Hammers are desperate to sign a new defender as David Moyes recently admitted he needs more strength in depth at the back.
However, the latest report suggests West Ham have concerns over Tah’s perceived lack of pace and want to complete a loan with the option to buy him next summer, rather than purchase him now.
The club’s hierarchy will be working frantically to get deals over the line as the deadline looms, with the Hammers fans set to be frustrated if a new centre-half is not added to the ranks.
West Ham have the likes of Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna as options at central defence currently, while Aaron Cresswell has also been operating on the left-hand side of a back three in recent matches.