Sports
West Ham in talks with ex-Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell
West Ham face a potentially make-or-break January transfer window as Nuno Espírito Santo desperately seeks reinforcements to drag his struggling side away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Their latest loss to Fulham at home was a really sore to take for Nuno, considering that West Ham actually played well for large periods but came away from the London Stadium with nothing to show for it.
With January fast approaching, the Irons need to make use of it with a drop to the Championship looking more and more likely.
The Athletic reports that West Ham have begun exploring the possibility of signing Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen next month as the club steps up its search for attacking reinforcements.
The Hammers are assessing a potential permanent move for the 25-year-old after Niclas Füllkrug’s departure to AC Milan, with the German sealing an initial loan move to the San Siro.
Nuno is eager to identify alternative striking options who can offer reliability and consistency in front of goal throughout the crucial second half of the campaign, and West Ham’s need for a new centre-forward has become increasingly clear following their struggles to convert chances into goals.
Talks over Strand Larsen remain at an early exploratory stage and no formal approach has yet been made to Wolve, with West Ham’s interest described as exploratory rather than advanced at this point.
Wolves, meanwhile, are under no immediate pressure to sell the Norwegian despite their own relegation struggles and are expected to demand a £45 million fee.
“Could happen” – Player admits he may join West Ham as agent works on transfer
He’s made a January admission.
The Midlands club rejected offers from Newcastle in the summer before securing Strand Larsen to a new five-year deal with an option to extend by 12 months.
Defence is also a major concern for Nuno following a dismal run of defensive performances that has seen West Ham keep just one clean sheet throughout the entire Premier League season so far.
Only bottom-placed Wolves have fared worse than the Hammers for goals conceded, highlighting the desperate need for reinforcements at the back.
Reliable club insider ExWHUemployee claims that Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell is a top target in this regard, and the England Under-21 starlet is keen on a move to the club.
Now, The Athletic have shared their own update.
West Ham in talks with Charlie Cresswell’s reps ahead of January
According to the outlet, West Ham have made Cresswell a priority target for the January window after failing to secure his services in the summer when they were reportedly close to completing a deal.
West Ham explored a move for the 23-year-old late in the previous window but ultimately signed Igor Julio on loan from Brighton, who has made just four Premier League appearances for them.
Cresswell has enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Toulouse, establishing himself as an indispensable figure in the heart of their defence, with the former Leeds United man starting all sixteen of their Ligue 1 fixtures and playing every single minute of their season to date.
The Athletic indicate that Toulouse are looking for a fee in the region of £20 million to part ways with Cresswell, and West Ham are in regular discussions with his camp.
The Englishman has even contributed three goals from centre-back this season, showcasing his threat from set pieces alongside his defensive solidity at the back.
Toulouse currently sit eighth in the Ligue 1 table with 23 points from 17 matches, having lost just once in their last seven games, and Cresswell has been at the very heart of it all.
Standing over six feet tall, Cresswell provides a commanding physical presence, winning an impressive 3.91 aerial duels per 90 minutes, which places him in the 97th percentile across Europe’s top five leagues.
The ‘top-class‘ – as hailed by Daniel Farke – defender’s arrival could address West Ham’s shocking record at defending set pieces this term, and for £20 million, he could be a bargain.
West Ham offered La Liga’s 2024 top scorer as club tell him to find new club in January
The Irons have a potentially interesting opportunity.
