West Ham United face a massive summer overhaul. However, the Hammers have struggled to get going in the transfer market, with transfer targets preferring other clubs.
Firstly, Jonathan David refused a switch to West Ham, reiterating that he wants to join a club competing in the UEFA Champions League.
Also, the Irons missed out on midfielder Angel Gomes, who chose Marseille over a move to the London Stadium.
The England international was a candidate to bolster the West Ham engine room.
It looks like the Hammers are set to go zero for three. According to Fabrice Hawkins, negotiations continue between CJ Egan-Riley and Marseille to find a total agreement.
West Ham are now out of the picture to sign the former Burnley man following his departure from the Clarets as a free agent.
Egan-Riley would have been a terrific addition to the West Ham roster after a remarkable campaign in the EFL Championship.
The 22-year-old helped Burnley keep 26 clean sheets in 41 appearances while winning 50% of his aerial and 75% ground duels.
When he scored his first goal, Burnley manager Scott Parker could not sing enough of his praise.
“He’s been the backbone, and a driving force with this back four, back five. In terms of the clean sheets, and the defensive work of this team, CJ has brought a lot of quality.”
With West Ham struggling to shore up the rearguard, such a solid defender would have been an excellent signing. Unfortunately, the Hammers will have to turn to other targets.
West Ham should consider Lille defender Alexsandro Ribeiro – View
One defender we have been advocating for West Ham to sign is Alexsandro Ribeiro of LOSC Lille, who has been one of the best defenders in Ligue 1.
Alexsandro helped Lille keep 10 clean sheets in 30 Ligue 1 appearances while winning 71% of his aerial and 58% of his ground duels.
Alexsandro debuted for the Brazilian national team against Ecuador and put in a terrific performance, winning all five duels while distributing excellently.
The 25-year-old followed it with another brilliant display against Paraguay. He helped keep another clean sheet and won seven of his 12 duels.
Top European clubs have not started sniffing around the goods, and West Ham need to position themselves at the front of the queue for his signature.
(Stats from Sofascore)