West Ham United have been linked with a surprise swoop for Nottingham Forest centre-back Yohan Benalouane.
According to claims from French news outlet Foot Mercato, the Hammers are among the clubs who have been monitoring the performances of the experienced defender this season.
Benalouane completed a move from Leicester City to Forest during the summer transfer window after falling out of favour at the King Power Stadium.
The 31-year-old arrived as the club’s first signing under the management of new boss Martin O’Neill and has gone on to impress with some strong performances at the back.
West Ham are well stocked with central defenders, however. Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop have impressed since their summer moves, while Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna are the other options at Manuel Pellegrini’s disposal.
Nevertheless, as per the report from Foot Mercato, the Hammers are in the race for Benalouane, who is also admired by Premier League strugglers Cardiff City and Championship promotion-hopefuls Leeds United.
