West Ham transfer news: David Moyes goes after fourth defensive signing, with Bundesliga man in sights

West Ham are reportedly considering going after a fourth defensive summer signing in the shape of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi.

The Hammers have significantly bolstered their back line with a range of additions, but developments mean another could be coming. Indeed, Morocco international Nayef Aguerd remains sidelined with an injury he picked up.

Following that blow, West Ham snapped up Paris Saint-Germain’s Thilo Kehrer.

At left-back, meanwhile, the London club added former Chelsea man Emerson Palmieri.

According to French outlet Blick, though, West Ham’s defensive spending is not done there and they could add a third centre-back.

That man is 25-year-old Switzerland international Elvedi. And the Hammers have supposedly submitted a bid for the player, although there are no details of the size of the bid.

Nevertheless, the transfer intent is clear, with Hammers boss David Moyes looking to ensure he has enough cover at the back.

But the Premier League club are not alone in their pursuit of Elvedi, who has played 241 games for Monchengladbach since joining in 2015.

French club Nice want the defender too and Elvedi has a connection with Nice boss Lucien Favre. The pair spent time together in Monchengladbach in 2015.

Elvedi could well move on

Elvedi has two years left on his contract in the Bundesliga, so a decision is soon due over his future. After seven strong years with Monchengladbach, though, it may be time for a new challenge.

And at only 25, the club can be satisfied that they could get decent re-sale value.

They may also want to sell up now to get the best price for him while he is still young.

On the flipside, Elvedi is approaching his prime years and Monchengladbach could look to keep him in his pomp – he could of course look to advance his career elsewhere.

West Ham eyeing defender amid potential exit

While West Ham making four defensive signings would be significant investment in that area, they have already let go of three players.

And Craig Dawson, a target for Wolves and Aston Villa, could yet follow Fulham’s Issa Diop, recent Bournemouth signing Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku – who has moved to Besiktas on loan – out the Hammers’ exit door.

In that sense, the investment makes sense. Dawson leaving with Elvedi coming in looks like business.

Dawson is 32 and has impressed at the London Stadium. However, his contract runs out next summer, so this summer presents the ideal time to cash in.

If they handed him a new contract, West Ham would almost certainly be sacrificing any re-sale value.

But they could then use any potential funds from Dawson- even if not much – to fund a move for 25-year-old Elvedi.