Sources: West Ham explore defender signing as Crystal Palace plot move
West Ham will be looking at defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window amid whispers of a Max Kilman exit.
Sources told Football Insider that Nuno Espirito Santo has big plans for an overhaul in January with the defence clearly at the top of his thinking.
The Hammers have conceded 28 goals after 14 matches in the Premier League, with only Wolves worse off.
Consequently, the Portuguese is already preparing to bring in defensive upgrades as Crystal Palace keep tabs on Kilman ahead of January.
Kilman left out of Liverpool and Man United clashes amid Crystal Palace links
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it is evident the former Wolves boss is far from impressed with the Englishman.
The 28-year-old was benched against Liverpool on 30 December and was also limited to a nine-minute cameo in the Irons’ 1-1 draw with Man United on 4 December.
Reduced minutes have increased the likelihood of his departure, with sources telling Football Insider Crystal Palace are considering Kilman as a Marc Guehi replacement in January.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over Espirito Santo‘s desire for defensive reinforcements, I explained: “I think Nuno Espirito Santo would like to improve West Ham’s defensive options.
“Right now, as they’re in this battle to stay up, they have had defensive issues this season. He left out Max Kilman against Liverpool, which was a big decision from Nuno as well.
“Conceding goals has been an issue for West Ham and, if they are to stay up, then they need to correct that.”
West Ham set to decide on Lucas Paqueta’s future after recent disciplinary issues
The upcoming transfer window is set to be pivotal one for the Hammers which could see a mass exodus of their biggest stars.
Sources told Football Insider that clubs are queuing up to sign Lucas Paqueta in January amid his shaky relationship with West Ham.
Espirito Santo was left “fuming” with Paqueta after he received two yellow cards in quick succession during the Irons’ 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
The Brazilian’s disciplinary record has overshadowed his time in east London and the bizarre episode against the Reds may prove to be the final straw.