West Ham United manager David Moyes wants to add new defenders to his squad before the transfer window closes, with three names on the Scottish coach’s shortlist, according to The Athletic.
The report from David Ornstein suggests the Hammers are interested in Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri, Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykola Matviyenko.
West Ham were well beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United on Saturday in the Premier League opening day, with Aaron Cresswell fielded at left-back and not impressing.
The Hammers full-back has little-to-no competition in the position and as such it would make sense for the East London club to strengthen in the role.
Chelsea’s purchase of Ben Chilwell has pushed Emerson down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, but it remains to be seen whether the Italian would prefer a move to West Ham or to return to Serie A.
Kolasinac’s opportunities to play at Arsenal have been limited by the arrival of Kieran Tierney at the Emirates Stadium and the no-nonsense defender would be a committed and able addition for the Hammers.
At centre-half, an additional player of quality is needed and Matviyenko would represent that for West Ham.
The 24-year-old Ukraine international has plenty of experience in European football and is highly rated.
West Ham’s defence is a real area for concern, as the club conceded far too many goals to be competitive last season.
With the Hammers making considerable money through the sales of Grady Diangana, Roberto, Albian Ajeti and Jordan Hugill, the time to strengthen Moyes’ back four is now.