West Ham United are confident of landing a loan deal for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Mirror.
The Hammers are on the lookout for new defenders but face a race against time to bring in additional options at the back before Monday’s transfer deadline passes.
The report suggests West Ham are confident that Chelsea will sanction a deal for Rudiger to spend the season on loan at the London Stadium, in a move that would surely suit all parties.
It adds that the Hammers have Tottenham for competition, but Spurs see the Germany international as a back-up plan to primary target Milan Skriniar.
West Ham really need additional centre-halves, with left-back Aaron Cresswell forced into playing out of position in recent games as the side switches to a three-man defence.
With Issa Diop currently unavailable, Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna have been the only senior options that the Hammers can rely on.
West Ham have some good youngsters coming through the ranks and the likes of Ajibola Alese could well get more first-team minutes if the club fail to land reinforcements.
However, the Hammers fans would surely feel more confident if an established international player such as Rudiger can be landed ahead of rivals Tottenham.