West Ham turn attention to signing Argentine sensation with release clause
West Ham are plotting a move to sign a new centre-back as Graham Potter wants to strengthen his defensive unit, sources have told Football Insider.
After 30 Premier League games, they have conceded 50 goals – the second-worst record outside of the bottom three teams.
Meanwhile, they have kept just four clean sheets across their last 20 games in all competitions and concerns have risen about their current options.
A number of names have emerged as potential targets, including Southampton star Taylor Harwood-Bellis, as the Hammers continue their search for reinforcements.
However, former Hammers scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham want someone better than Harwood-Bellis as they set their sights on loftier targets.
West Ham plot move to sign Atletico Independiente star Kevin Lomonaco
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Club Atletico Independiente centre-back Kevin Lomonaco has emerged as one of the options on West Ham’s list of targets.
The 23-year-old has a £17million release clause in his contract which will make the deal a straightforward one for Potter’s side to pull off this summer.
Standing at six-foot-four, Lomonaco is believed to have the abilities to step up to Premier League football after spending a year on loan in Argentina.
West Ham have been scouting a number of potential options for the position both domestically and across the world and are now putting together a shortlist.
This comes after Football Insider revealed West Ham are targeting Udinese star Oumar Solet as another option amid concerns about Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Graham Potter eyes Chris Rigg swoop after scouting missions
Alongside the addition of a new centre-back, Potter is aiming to strengthen his side all over the pitch, with a new midfielder also on his list of targets.
Brown told Football Insider on 3 April that West Ham want to sign Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and are preparing a formal offer for his services.
Scouts are said to have been present at the Stadium of Light “almost every week” as they continue to keep tabs on the 17-year-old’s development.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Tottenham and Man United have been watching Rigg, alongside scouts from Crystal Palace.
For more West Ham and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.