West Ham linked with move for Eliaquim Mangala
West Ham prioritised improving their attack this summer, and have done with aplomb, but perhaps they have been negligent in addressing their defensive issues.
After shipping four on the opening day to Manchester United with a first-choice back line available, Slaven Bilic may have had his eyes opened to the notion that defensive additions are needed before the transfer window shuts.
ESPN are reporting that the Hammers are eyeing a shock move for out-of-favour Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala.
Mangala has failed to impress in the Premier League since his £40m move from Porto, and spent last season on loan at Valencia as he wasn’t part of Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans.
City plan on offloading the defender again this summer with Inter Milan linked with a season-long loan move for the France international, but City would prefer a permanent sale.
West Ham could get Mangala for a cut-price fee, but his wages would likely be considerable. Perhaps a move for him wouldn’t be wise.