West Ham could go head-to-head with fellow Premier League side West Brom to sign Mamadou Sakho on an initial loan basis this month.
According to The Sun on Sunday (January 3rd, page 57) [via The Boot Room], the Hammers are keen on bolstering their defensive options – and have identified the 30-year-old as a viable option.
The left-sided central defender has featured just four times for fellow London club Crystal Palace this season and has struggled to break into a squad which is well-stocked with experienced options in the heart of defence.
The former Liverpool defender is a rare left-sided defender in Palace’s squad – a factor which offers unique ball-playing advantages in a key feature of some Premier League systems, such as that of Manchester City.
However, it has previously been reported that Sakho would prefer to move back to France as he enters the latter stages of his career, with a Ligue 1 move remaining strong in Sakho’s thinking.
Read West Ham Verdict
Sakho’s left-sided attributes and experience makes the 30-year-old a worthy option. His contract situation (current deal expires in July) certainly opens the door for a cheaper permanent move, whilst West Ham’s London location would spare Sakho and his family the need to relocate from the capital.
However, is the centre-back role in need of strengthening at West Ham? The Irons boast Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Fabian Balbuena as experienced options, so it may be best to allocate funds elsewhere in the winter window.
