West Ham may be after a new right-back in January.
West Ham United could do with a new right-back after Ryan Fredericks was ruled out for the next three months with a shin injury, while Pablo Zabaleta’s future remains in the balance – and Southampton’s Cedric Soares could have the answer.
Fredericks was considered back-up to Zabaleta after joining the club on a free from Fulham in the summer, but he is now expected to be sidelined until well into 2019.
Meanwhile, Argentina international Zabaleta could leave the Hammers sooner rather than later, with his contract expiring in the summer and the defender already discussing the chances of leaving east London.
A new right-sided defender may be viewed as a necessity by Manuel Pellegrini in January and his first option has to be Southampton’s Cedric, who remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent right-sided defenders.
Football London report that the Euro 2016 winner could be available in the upcoming January transfer window for as little as just £10million, a bargain for a player such as Soares.
The 27-year-old, who was born in Germany before becoming a Portugal international, is just two outings away from completing a Premier League century. He is certainly underrated in the Premier League, with his consistency going under the radar.
For £10million, West Ham would be landing a bargain in Soares and certainly the answer to their long-term woes at right-back. It makes obvious sense for West Ham to consider the defender.
With Southampton sitting in 17th place and winning just one of their 12 Premier League games, Cedric could be looking to leave rather than face a relegation battle and a move to West Ham would surely be viewed as favourable.
Landing Cedric would give Pellegrini a reliable, trustworthy option in defence, as well as an option going forward with doubts over Zabaleta and Fredericks.
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