da luck： According to reports on Spanish media outlet Marca, West Ham United are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing in-form Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu during the January transfer window.
da apostebet： Marca says that the Irons made an offer for Democratic Republic of Congo international in the summer but were unable to match the price tag put on the centre-forward’s head, but they are now ready to revive their interest in the prolific 26-year-old.
The report adds that the Hammers’ English top flight rivals West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on the attacker, who has scored nine goals in 14 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit so far this term.
While new Irons boss David Moyes will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen his squad in the New Year considering they currently find themselves in the relegation zone, he may be better off ignoring Bakambu and targeting a deal for his club compatriot Rodrigo Hernandez.
Here are three reasons West Ham should forget about the striker and sign his midfield teammate instead…
They need a defensive midfielder more
Considering one of West Ham’s biggest issues this season is that they have the leakiest defence in the Premier League having conceded 23 goals in their 11 top flight matches, it seems mad that David Moyes would prioritise signing a striker in the New Year.
With Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Toni Martinez – as well as Andre Ayew, Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic if needs be – the Irons have plenty of options up top.
They would be much better off as a team if they signed Rodri Hernandez over Bakambu, who would help to strengthen a weak area in the middle of the park.
Hernandez’s qualities
While he only turned 21 years of age in June, the Madrid-born midfielder is already a key player for Villarreal having made 15 appearances in all competitions this season, and 52 for the La Liga outfit in total.
According to WhoScored.com, the 6ft 3in defensive midfielder’s strengths are his ability to win aerial duels, blocks and intercepting, tackling and passing, which shows he is something of an all-round player.
According to Squawka, in 11 La Liga games this term the Spaniard has won 35 of the 50 aerial duels he has faced, has made 30 clearances and 27 interceptions and has a passing accuracy of 89%.
In those terms he looks to be perfectly suited to the Premier League, and could make a real difference for West Ham in the middle of the park.
Price tag
Hernandez’s current contract with Villarreal is due to run out next summer and with no new deal yet in the pipeline, it means that he could be available for a decent fee in January if the La Liga side don’t want to risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
Considering West Ham would likely have to pay upwards of £30-35m if they wanted to reignite their interest in Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho in the New Year, moving for the Spain Under-21 international instead could prove to be a very shrewd move.
Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.