West Ham have contracted the representatives of Strasbourg midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato.
The Hammers aren’t the only side interested in the young Frenchman, as Crystal Palace are also mentioned as making their presence known to the player’s entourage.
Bellegarde, a versatile 22-year-old midfielder, only signed for the Ligue 1 club last year and has impressed this season in his 15 league appearances.
Irons manager David Moyes could be keen to bolster his midfield ranks this month, with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek currently being asked to play every minute of every Premier League game.
The Hammers are also facing a crossroads as regards club legend Mark Noble, who has suffered through injury and lack of game-time this season, leading to generally disappointing performances whenever he has featured.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
With a Transfermarkt value of just £3.6m, West Ham could pursue a deal for the former Haiti international. The player’s modest value, combined with the ongoing financial struggles in French football, could play right into the West Ham hierarchy’s hands.
We endorse the signing given the lack of midfield options currently available to Moyes. Plus, with Bellegarde boasting an impressive passing accuracy rate of 82% overall, he seems a player with considerable potential.
