West Ham United have been linked with a late move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, but the German centre-half is ‘not planning’ on moving to the Irons, according to The Telegraph.
The Hammers have been rebuffed in multiple efforts to sign a new enforcer during the current window, with the East London club leaving it to the last 24 hours in their search for reinforcements.
While Vladimir Coufal has been signed by West Ham and had a good debut at right wing-back on Sunday against Leicester, central defenders are in short supply.
David Moyes has previously admitted that the Hammers could be caught short at the heart of their rearguard if added options were not brought into his squad before the transfer window closes.
Reported West Ham target Rudiger has refused to sign a new contract at Chelsea and is currently down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
The latest report suggests that the Blues want Declan Rice, but the German centre-half is not interested in being part of any swap deal.
West Ham fielded a back three of Aaron Cresswell, Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna during the win on Sunday and have Issa Diop back available again.
However, given that the Hammers have switched to a 3-4-3 formation, an additional centre-half being landed on deadline day would add strength in depth to Moyes’ squad.