A transfer battle is on the cards, with West Ham United and Everton in the picture to sign a “well-rounded” 6 foot 4 giant this summer.
West Ham in the running to sign MLS star
West Ham have managed to improve from a defensive point of view over the past month, keeping clean sheets in the 0-0 draw against AFC Bournemouth and the 1-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
However, the number of Premier League goals they have conceded this season remains a cause for concern, having shipped 55 in 30 matches, and only 19th-place Burnley have had a shakier backline.
Having shaped up in recent weeks, the Hammers have given themselves a fighting chance in the relegation battle, and Joe Cole was full of praise for one player in particular during the 1-1 draw against Manchester City last time out, saying: “This is one of the best centre-back displays I have seen this season, from Konstantinos Mavropanos. He has been immaculate.”
However, Nuno‘s side remain inside the relegation zone on goal difference, which suggests they need to strengthen this summer if they do avoid the drop, and a Champions League striker has emerged as a target.
Bringing in new options in defence may be a more pertinent issue though, given West Ham’s struggles at the back this season, and a MLS star is now on the radar.
West Ham racing Everton to sign Colorado Rapids star
According to a report from Sports Boom, the Irons are now racing Premier League rivals Everton for the signature of Colorado Rapids star Lucas Herrington, who arrived in the MLS from Brisbane Roar back in August.
Herrington is described as a ‘genuine threat in both boxes’, given that he is able to use his 6 foot 4 frame to his advantage, and the 18-year-old is also praised for his tackling and interceptions.
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The two London clubs are set to do battle.
The teenager hasn’t been in the MLS for long, but he has already received plenty of plaudits, with writer Sacha Pisani lauding him as a “well-rounded” centre-back, and he netted his first goal for the American side in a 2-0 victory against Portland Timbers last month.
An average of 5.8 clearances per 90 in the MLS this season is the highest in the Colorado Rapids squad, and he is way out in front when it comes to accurate passes per 90 too.
|
Colorado Rapids squad |
Accurate passes per 90 |
|
Lucas Herrington |
83.8 |
|
Rob Holding |
73.7 |
|
Keegan Rosenberry |
55.7 |
|
Hamzat Ojediran |
50.6 |
|
Joshua Atencio |
47.0 |
It may take Herrington some time to get to grips with the Premier League, given that he is yet to prove himself in Europe, but West Ham definitely need to sign a defender, and he could be an exciting long-term signing.