West Ham United are ‘very interested’ in a move for Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark, who is available on a free transfer next summer.
That’s according to Sport 1, who say the Hammers are on the hunt for a replacement for Angelo Ogbonna, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the beginning of this month.
That’ a major blow, with the Italian having formed an impressive partnership with Kurt Zouma in the middle of the Hammers defence this season.
West Ham will need a replacement, particularly because the 33-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season as well.
They’ve seemingly turned their attention to Stark, who would be available on a free come the summer himself.
Talks between his management and West Ham have already taken place, and, according to Sport 1’s information, those in charge at the London Stadium have signalled they want to make a move in January.
David Moyes sees ‘a lot of potential’ in the defender and wants to bring him in midway through the season to bolster their chances in the race for the top four.
He’s ‘keen’ to bring him in, and it seems West Ham will push for a move in January to take advantage of the fact his deal with Hertha is expiring.
Losing Stark would be a major blow for Hertha as he is ‘indispensable’ for the club, but a departure without a transfer fee would the ‘worst-case scenario’ for sporting director Fredi Bobic, hinting that they’ll sell if West Ham offer the right amount.
