West Ham have been linked with a move for Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren but we feel the Hammers should not target him.
London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also interested in securing the centre-back’s signature and we feel the Hammers should let them pursue a move and not get involved.
The Croatian international is open to making a move away from Anfield as he seeks more playing time and is said to be interested in a move to London (TEAMtalk).
But, the Hammers should stay well clear for a few reasons.
Firstly, because he does not fit the profile of player that David Moyes wants to sign. The manager is eager to build a young side, with players that are preferably 25 years old or under (Claret and Hugh).
Lovren is 31 in July so clearly would not lower the average age of the Hammers squad.
Secondly, he is becoming quite prone to injury.
The defender missed 11 matches between December and January because of a muscular injury and also missed 13 games last season because of hamstring and pelvis problems (Transfermarkt).
Therefore, we feel that he may not be a reliable option at the back and could end up being like Jack Wilshere, who has missed a majority of the season because of his injury issues.
Lastly, we feel that signing Lovren would not be worth it for West Ham because of his wage demands.
The centre-back earns £100,000-a-week with Liverpool (Spotrac) and may want something similar if he moves to the London Stadium.
Paying that amount of money to an ageing and hardly fit defender we feel would be an incredible risk, shown again by the deal for Wilshere a few seasons ago which has come back to haunt the club.
We think it’s better to leave this one to the north London clubs.
