West Ham United are running out of time.
The summer transfer window is almost over, with the deadline falling on Monday.
The Hammers play Leicester City on Sunday, meaning they will have fewer than 48 hours after the game to conclude their business and ensure that David Moyes’ squad is as competitive as it can be.
They have nevertheless endured a difficult window, only following up Tomas Soucek’s permanent move following his loan on Friday, with the signing of Vladimir Coufal.
There is still a desire to bring in a central defender, though, and Moyes has admitted that himself; a new centre-back is a priority for the Hammers.
And it seems that Duje Caleta-Car, the Marseille defender, has been identified as the man for the job.
Sky Sports reported earlier this week that a £20m bid had been tabled for him, though it was rejected.
Sport Witness carries a report from L’Equipe, who claim that the Hammers continue to push to bring him to east London.
They are said to be using the Stellar agency to try to sign the defender, though they have yet to make an offer that meets Marseille’s demands.
West Ham are still reportedly optimistic of bringing Caleta-Car to the club, though they will need to up their offer if they are to meet the Ligue 1 outfit’s demands.
Marseille want €30m (£27.1m) but there is precious little time left to negotiate.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
Anyone will do.
West Ham desperately need a central defender.
It has been a glaring weakness throughout the summer and is a key area that has not been strengthened yet.
The £18m received from the sale of Grady Diangana means that they have a portion of the transfer fee needed already put aside.
It shouldn’t take all that much effort to find another £11.1m to get Caleta-Car in.
Moyes has said it is the transfer that needs to be done; it is down to David Sullivan, in the boardroom, to make it happen.