West Ham are believed to be the ‘preferred move’ for Wolves defender Dominic Iorfa this summer, who has also been linked with Southampton, Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
According to Midlands-based publication the Express and Star, the young right-back has been subject to several bids this summer amid interest from the Premier League.
The England U21 international is believed to be most interested in a move to East London with West Ham this summer, should he decide to leave Wolves according to a family source in Nigeria – who he is still eligible to represent at international level.
It’s true that Iorfa is wanted by Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace but for obvious reasons he is more comfortable with a move to West Ham where he is most likely to get more playing time.
The 20-year-old is valued at £7m by the Championship outfit, and is tipped to play at the very highest stage at both club and international level. He was Wolves’ most-used player this past season making 46 appearances – a testament to his durability.
Iorfa starred for England during this summer’s Toulon tournament which they won in fine style with many Premier League scouts in attendance.
West Ham have had success buying from the Championship in recent seasons. Most notably Aaron Cresswell, a £3.5m arrival from Ipswich in 2014 has been a key player for the Hammers at left-back the past two seasons, and won the Hammer of the Year award in his debut season at this level.
Slaven Bilic already signed a right-back from England’s second-tier lately with the January arrival of Leeds’ Sam Byram. He struggled with injury in the six months he’s spent with the club but has impressed in his limited game time.
A former England U21 international in his own right, Byram and Iorfa should he sign would give the club two very capable options on the right-side of the back four, both of whom have high potential and a lot to learn.
Their efforts to sign a right-back do not stop there. West Ham, as well as Sunderland and Saint-Etienne have submitted offers to free-agent Jeremy Pied following his release from OGC Nice. The 27-year-old will make a decision on his future when he returns from his holiday.
