Moyes obsession finally pays off as West Ham satisfy demands for £20m defender

Multiple reports claim West Ham United are close to completing the signing of Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car after compromises were made over the deal.

The Hammers have long been linked with the 25-year-old centre-half, with David Moyes a big fan. But they have been unable to agree terms on a proposed switch to the East End. The capital outfit were hoping to secure the giant stopper on a loan deal.

However, L’OM were only prepared to entertain offers on his permanent exit from Stade Velodrome. It was thought that would scupper West Ham’s chances of landing their target.

But French journalist Marc Mechenoua has now lifted the lid on the current state of affairs. Writing for Goal France, he suggests that three key elements in the deal have now been agreed.

He claims Caleta-Car ‘would leave for €22m (£18.2m) plus €3m (£2.5m) in bonuses as well as a sell-on clause’. And Get French Football News back up that report.

“The 25-year-old, who had already been the subject of interest from the Hammers in the summer of 2020, could leave for the Premier League with an agreement in the coming hours,” they state.

The Croatia star, who will have his salary doubled, joined Marseille from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2018. Standing 6 ft 4 in, Caleta-Car has impressed during 107 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.

He has had some big-name suitors over the past couple of years thanks to his displays in France. Liverpool and Wolves have both been mentioned in connection with the former Pasching centre-back.

But it seems as though the London Stadium club have finally got their man.

Caleta-Car to aid top-four hopes

West Ham’s top-four hopes have been hit by back-to-back losses. A 3-2 defeat to Leeds United was followed by a 1-0 reverse against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

They are now fifth in the table but just one point behind the Red Devils. Moyes had had to cope without Angelo Ogbonna while Kurt Zouma has also spent time on the sidelines.

Caleta-Car is primarily a left-sided centre-back and his arrival would help tighten the Scot’s defence. The man with 20 Croatia caps would also help solve another issue as Ogbonna will be 34 in May.

He is considerably younger and would be a long-term addition to the Hammers ranks. West Ham are next in action when they face Kidderminster Harriers in round four of the FA Cup on Saturday.

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