Ajax’s classy centre-half would be a much more astute signing than the calamitous Inter outcast.
Thanks to the profligacy that has dogged West Ham United’s season, coupled with the dark clouds cast by the Dimitri Payet saga, the club’s rather alarming defending has somehow slipped under the radar.
Their 5-0 FA Cup blitzing at home to Manchester City was the eighth time already this season that the Hammers had conceded three or more in a game with even Watford and West Bromwich Albion hitting them for four.
Angelo Ogbonna continues to flail under pressure, Havard Nordtveit would be the flop of the season in any other side while even Winston Reid has allowed errors to creep into his usually rock-steady game in recent weeks.
Therefore, it is no surprise that Slaven Bilic is ready to pay Ajax £8 million for Joel Veltman, according to the Daily Mirror.
A two-time Eredivisie champion and 13-time Dutch international, Veltman’s ability to flit between right-back and centre-half roles has proven invaluable at the Amsterdan ArenA and would certainly suit Bilic – who has experimented with three and four man back lines this season – down to the ground at the London Stadium.
Furthermore, Veltman is a superb passer of the ball having matured in the teachings of Total Voetbal while his composure in and out of possession has vastly reduced the errors in his game.
The same cannot be said for Andrea Ranocchia, the former Inter Milan captain whose reputation continues to plummet at the San Siro.
The centre-half was faultless in a 1-1 draw with England in March 2015 but similar performances have been conspicuous by their absence since.
In fact, it would take a minor miracle for Ranocchia to wrestle his way back into the Azzurri squad these days so Sky Italia’s reports that West Ham are interested should leave fans banging their heads.
The Hammers already have one dodgy Italian centre-half. A calm, classy Dutch one would appeal much more.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
