West Ham United have one major advantage in the race to sign Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to the club’s relationship with his representatives.
The Lowdown: West Ham’s summer links
The Athletic’s football correspondent, David Ornstein, revealed in the summer that West Ham made a late approach for Wan-Bissaka, an offer that came about after Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth indicated that the full-back was not in Erik ten Hag’s plans.
According to Ornstein, the Red Devils did not want to let him leave due to the offer being received too late in the window to be able to sign a replacement, but a move may now be possible again in January, with the Hammers again among the potential suitors.
However, the Irons are not the only club considering a move, with 90min also detailing that Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will be in the race, with the latter club currently leading the way.
The Latest: Wan-Bissaka latest
David Moyes is now again believed to be interested in the Englishman, as reported by Manchester Evening News, this time plotting a loan deal, in light of the £50m United signing only appearing for four minutes in the Premier League this season.
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The report outlines that GSBK could actually have the upper hand in negotiations, given that they have a close relationship with the 25-year-old’s representatives, Unique Sports Management, who were involved in the deal to sign Maxwel Cornet and also represent Michail Antonio.
The Verdict: Make it happen
The London-born full-back may have found it tough trying to break into the starting lineup this season, but that does not detract from his quality, particularly when it comes to the art of defending.
An average of 3.03 tackles per 90 in the last year means that he ranks in the 98th percentile compared to other players in his position, while he has also exhibited his confidence on the ball by completing an average of 2.21 dribbles in the same period (99th percentile).
With West Ham currently in a perilous in the Premier League, 16th in the standings, they could no doubt do with a solid option at right-back to shore up the backline, particularly considering Vladimir Coufal has been linked with a move away.
As such, Wan-Bissaka, who has been lauded as ‘phenomenal’ for his defensive work by journalist Liam Canning, would fit the bill, and he would be a quality addition for Moyes in January.