West Ham reportedly planning smart deal to sign Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks

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West Ham United are again being linked with Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks.

The January transfer window may have closed less than a fortnight ago, but speculation continues to surround West Ham United and their signing plans under David Moyes.

West Ham ended January with two new signings as Joao Mario and Jordan Hugill both arrived, whilst Moyes also swooped last week to reunite with free agent Patrice Evra.

Now, despite questions over Moyes’ long-term future, one eye may already be focused on planning for the summer, with a bargain deal potentially in the pipeline for the Hammers.

Football.London report that one of Moyes’ top targets – if he keeps his job – is Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks, with West Ham planning to land him on a free transfer when his contract ends this summer.

West Ham were linked with Fredericks in January but didn’t push for a deal, instead seemingly biding their time to wait until they can land the right back for absolutely nothing in a matter of months.

Fredericks, 25, has been a star for Fulham since his 2015 move from Bristol City, becoming one of the Championship’s most impressive full backs whilst notching five assists in 30 games this season.

Any free transfer signing may be worth a gamble, but West Ham’s plan for Fredericks seems particularly smart. The former Tottenham youngster is no stranger to London, and moving from Fulham to the London Stadium could be hugely appealing for a player who was never given a Premier League chance with Spurs.

With Sam Byram still failing to prove that he can be a solid Premier League player, West Ham need cover for the ageing Pablo Zabaleta, and adding Fredericks – who still has his best years ahead of him – on a free seems like a no-brainer.

Fredericks is blessed with pace and attacking ability, offering something different to veteran Zabaleta, and whilst it may not make headlines, this is the clever sort of signing that West Ham should be looking to make, rather than focusing on the ‘names’ like they did last summer.