West Ham have been looking at Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Hammers are dealing with an injury crisis at the back right now, and it appears that Bailly is one man who could come in to help address that.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

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What is the latest news involving Bailly?

According to talkSPORT, Bailly is currently on West Ham's shortlist as David Moyes looks to bring in a new central defender following injuries to Nayef Aguerd and Craig Dawson and the departure of Issa Diop to Fulham.

Paris Saint-Germain's Thilo Kehrer seems to be Moyes' first choice, with Sky Sports reporting that the Hammers have already had a bid for him rejected.

However, the above suggests that they could turn to Bailly if they end up missing out on the 25-year-old.

Bailly, who joined United from Villarreal in a £30m deal six years ago, is likely to be available this summer after playing just four Premier League games last season.

What has Jones said about Bailly and West Ham?

Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Bailly is indeed a player who West Ham have considered.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "Eric Bailly at Man United is one they have been looking at. It still, still might be one that they turn back to if they weren't to get Kehrer."

Should West Ham sign Bailly this summer ?

West Ham could certainly do with the arrival of a new central defender amid this injury crisis at the back. Is Bailly really the answer, though? Probably not.

There is some sense behind going after the 28-year-old. He has Premier League experience and should not cost too much given that he is on the periphery at Old Trafford.

However, there is one huge red flag: the Ivorian's injury record. He has spent a lot of time on the sidelines since joining United, something West Ham cannot afford if they sign him given the predicament that they are currently in.

With that in mind, the east London club are probably right to prioritise someone like Kehrer over Bailly. He obviously does not have the Premier League experience that the Ivory Coast international has, but at this point, Moyes just needs someone who can play and there is no guarantee you will get that with Bailly.

From a West Ham perspective, hopefully this centre-half issue gets addressed soon, as starting 22-year-old full-back Ben Johnson in central defence can only be a short-term fix.