West Ham launch move for Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien

West Ham United are working on a deal to sign Olympique Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Hammers are looking to bolster the backline with at least two new centre-backs, and O’Brien has been added to the extensive shortlist.

The need for defensive reinforcement is amplified by the departure of club stalwart Angelo Ogbonna, nearly a decade after he joined from Serie A giants Juventus.

Nayef Aguerd and skipper Kurt Zouma are also facing uncertain futures at the London Stadium, so technical director Tim Steidten wants to shore up the heart of the defence with at least two new faces.

O’Brien could be one of those signings, with the Republic of Ireland international emerging as a concrete target for the Hammers.

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman remains the primary target for Steidten and Julen Lopetegui, but we’ve found it hard to reach an agreement with the West Midlanders.

Wolves are reluctant to sell their captain, and the Hammers are determined to negotiate a fee lower than their £45 million asking price.

We’ve already seen two bids turned down for Kilman. While we’re expected to return with a third, it appears our focus has shifted to O’Brien for now.

O’Brien is a decent target for the Hammers

O’Brien was in fine form for Lyon last season, notching five goals and two assists in 32 appearances, including a goal in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Irishman kept seven clean sheets in the league, averaging 3.6 clearances and 4.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

He also won 58% of his ground duels and had a 64% success rate in aerial battles, thanks to his towering 6ft4 frame.

O’Brien could be a decent addition to Lopetegui’s squad, but it remains to be seen how much Lyon will demand to sell him just one year after signing him from Crystal Palace.

The Irishman is valued at £10m on Transfermarkt, but there’s a decent chance Lyon will ask for more.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com