West Ham United have been linked with strengthening a few positions in January but at centre-back hasn’t exactly been one of them.
Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez has been limited to just six appearances this season and seems to have the option to leave Spain next month.
According to AS, cited by Sport Witness, West Ham want to sign the 22-year-old and have already informed Bilbao of their intention to pay his €30million release clause.
Nunez’s current deal runs until 2023 so despite his lack of game time this season, West Ham will still need to convince him of a move to East London.
Bayern Munich have also been mentioned in a report, which suggests they could use Javi Martinez as part of the deal.
However, the Hammers are said to have help from summer signing Pablo Fornals in persuading his Spanish compatriot of a move.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Although West Ham shouldn’t be focusing on bolstering the options in central defence above anything else, it’d be a shrewd piece of business.
Nunez has shown signs of real promise in La Liga and for €30m acts as an interesting long-term partner prospect for Issa Diop.
If West Ham have to face Bayern for his signature though, the odds will against them, especially if the German giants have a player to include as leeway.
It’s crucial Manuel Pellegrini addresses areas like central midfield and upfront next month too, regardless of whether Nunez joins or not.
