West Ham United are thinking about making a move for Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings this summer as they battle with a defensive crisis at the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

David Moyes has overseen a busy few months of business and there remains time to strengthen before the September 1 deadline.

What is the latest West Ham transfer news?

The Hammers are on the hunt for centre-backs after an injury crisis has left Moyes short of options at the back.

Right-back Ben Johnson was forced into the middle to partner Kurt Zouma for their opening day meeting with Manchester City after Craig Dawson joined Angelo Ogbonna and new recruit Nayef Aguerd on the treatment table.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend, Moyes emphasised that the club are pushing for new players, saying: “We don't want to fill places for the sake of doing so. We are trying really hard, we have made lots offers. If I was going to give an update, I would give it to my club team.”

Paris Saint-Germain duo Abdou Diallo and Thilo Kehrer have both been linked with moves to east London, with Sky Sports reporting that offers have been sent in.

But with Mings stripped of the Villa captaincy and consigned to the bench last weekend, could he represent a fresh option?

What has Jones said on a potential move for Mings?

Jones understands that West Ham are considering a move for the England international, who was signed from Bournemouth for £25 million back in 2019.

However, the transfer insider adds that we will have to wait and see if that initial interest turns into a firm offer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Tyrone Mings is one that hasn't really been mentioned but is an obvious fit for what they're looking for.

“They're not looking for a first-choice defender, they're looking for someone that can fight to be part of that team. You could say, ‘Tyrone Mings is struggling with that battle himself for Aston Villa. Why would he get it at West Ham?’

“But it might just be that he needs a new club. He is one that West Ham are aware of and of thinking about, but we'll have to see whether it actually turns into anything active.”

Would Mings be a good signing?

While his technical ability is sometimes called into questions, Mings’ leadership credentials are frequently praised.

Speaking after his international debut back in 2019, England manager Gareth Southgate said: “Since I have been watching him for the past 12 months or so, he’s displayed outstanding leadership qualities. I thought I would see that [against Bulgaria] and I did.”

They are qualities that would not go amiss at the London Stadium, although most supporters would likely only want to see the 6ft 5in defender arrive as a short-term solution.