West Ham are said to be nearing a free transfer for Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks.
West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer, according to Football London, which will surely in turn see Sam Byram leave the London Stadium.
The report claims 25-year-old Fredericks can be signed on a free transfer with his current Craven Cottage deal set to expire in the summer. It would see the Hammers land the former Tottenham defender at the end of the season.
He has reportedly become a target due to his excellent performances in England’s second tier, producing seven assists from right-back as his natural speed and precise crossing come in handy for Fulham’s attackers.
The Hammers are in need of investment in certain areas of the pitch, most notable in central midfield with an obvious lack of depth in the middle of the park. But right-back is already a position that is well-stocked.
The summer signing of Pablo Zabaleta replaced the loss of flop Alvaro Arbeloa, with former Leeds right-back Byram playing second fiddle to the Premier League winner.
Two right-backs is more than enough, so surely if the Hammers do sign Fredericks then current second-choice Byram would be offloaded to make room for the Fulham defender?
That should see Celtic come in for the 24-year-old defender, with Mikael Lustig’s performances under huge scrutiny at the moment. The Swede has struggled to impress and is currently on the sidelines with an injury.
Bringing Byram north of the border would give Rodgers the exact type of full-back he likes; one that is desperate to get forward at every opportunity, comfortable with the ball and can score goals.
Byram showed he can find the net with 10 goals in 143 games for Leeds, and he boasts a number of similar traits to that of Kieran Tierney down the left flank. If Celtic can land Byram on loan or for a cheap price, he would be an excellent signing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
