We mean no disrespect to Kai Wagner when we question why West Ham United would be interested in the Philadelphia Union star.
The Daily Mail reports the Hammers are battling London neighbours Fulham to sign the £3.5 million-rated, German-born 23-year-old in the January transfer window.
Wagner deserves the attention – he is perhaps the most in-form left-back in the MLS right now – but that’s one position West Ham don’t need to reinforce.
After all, David Moyes has found a way to get both his left-backs into the same starting XI. And, given that Steve Clarke has struggled to strike a balance between Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney in the Scottish national team, that’s no mean feat.
The often-erratic Arthur Masuaku is in the middle of arguably his finest, most sustained run of form in a West Ham shirt. He has shone in a wing-back role that emphasises his attacking qualities and hides his defensive deficiencies.
Aaron Cresswell, meanwhile, has been so impressive as a ball-playing, left-sided central defender a first England cap in four years would be fitting reward.
But Wagner isn’t the only left-back being linked with a move to the London Stadium.
Talksport claimed Moyes was eyeing Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri in the last transfer window and, with the Italy international casting doubt on his Stamford Bridge future at the weekend, it’s only a matter of time before the rumour mill starts spinning again.
“Unfortunately I am not playing much at Chelsea, but I am calm and I think things will improve, whether that is in London or elsewhere,” says the £26 million former Roma defender, who has been informed by Roberto Mancini he needs regular game time if he wants to start at Euro 2020 (Goal).
“The coach talked to me. He told me the best thing is to play. Let’s see what happens in two months if I have a place at Chelsea or for another team? We will see.”
Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan are expected to return for a player who has started just one game in 2020/21. However, there appears to be no need for West Ham to rival the Nerazzuri for Emerson’s signature.
Not when Masuaku and Cresswell are playing the best football of their claret-and-blue careers anyway.
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