West Ham United have opened talks to sign Nottingham Forest defender Morato after his proposed move to Roma stalled, potentially handing Nuno Espírito Santo a solution to two problem positions.
ExWHUEmployee reports that West Ham are discussing a deal with Forest, with both a straight loan and a loan containing an obligation to buy under consideration.
The 25-year-old already knows Nuno well after playing under him at Nottingham Forest and can operate at centre-back or on the left side of defence.
West Ham move for Morato after Roma setback
Morato had been expected to join Roma before that move stalled, allowing West Ham to enter talks during the closing stages of the window.
His versatility could make him particularly attractive.
West Ham need another centre-back as Jean-Clair Todibo closes in on a loan move to Lens, while the £40m sale of Malick Diouf to Brentford has also reduced Nuno’s options on the left.
The Hammers have explored other defensive targets, but Hull boss Sergej Jakirović blocked Ryan Giles from leaving and West Ham have also held talks over Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci.
Morato therefore offers something valuable: a player Nuno already trusts who could cover two areas of immediate need.
There is no agreement yet with Forest, with the structure of the proposed move still being discussed.
But after Roma’s deal stalled, West Ham have moved quickly to try to reunite Nuno with one of his former Forest defenders before the deadline.
