Virals: West Ham ‘highly interested’ in Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark

West Ham are reportedly ‘highly interested’ in Herta Berlin central defender Niklas Stark. 

The Hammers are believed to be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following the cruel injury suffered by Angelo Ogbonna against Liverpool. 

Already linked with various options since the Italian’s prognosis, Irons’ boss David Moyes has seemingly cast an eye further afield.

According to a report from Sport 1, as cited by Florian Plettenberg on Twitter, West Ham have already initiated contact to sign Stark. 

News Niklas Stark: @WestHam is highly interested. First talks have taken place. #WHU need to replace Ogbonna. Moyes wants him. Player is also interested but he also feels comfortable @HerthaBSC. The club wants to make the deal in winter. He is a free agent 2022. @SPORT1 🇩🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/JxxoMOflIP

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 19, 2021

The report claims that Moyes sees ‘a lot of potential’ in the twice-capped German 26-year-old and is ‘keen’ to make the deal happen. 

So far this season Stark has earned a 6.67 average Sofascore rating from 10 Bundesliga appearances.

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Valued at just £9million and fast approaching the final six months of a contract in Germany (Transfermarkt), there is huge scope to get this deal over the line in the mid-season window. 

An experienced top-flight operator with international prowess, signing Stark would allow Moyes to keep the status quo elsewhere within the West Ham squad.

Also adept at playing in a defensive midfield role, the German’s versatility would be a welcome boost to the Irons’ squad.