West Ham have once again been linked with a move for Leander Dendoncker, and he would be a far better option than William Carvalho for the Hammers’ midfield.

What's the story?

This week, a report from RMC Sport claimed West Ham are in “pole position” to sign Dendoncker this summer.

It feels like the Hammers have been linked with the Belgian midfielder in every transfer window since the dawn of time, but the presence of Manuel Pellegrini may finally be enough to bring the impressive 23 year-old to East London.

Another name who has been linked with plenty of Premier League moves is William Carvalho.

The colossal defensive midfielder is expected to terminate his Sporting CP contract this summer after the team was attacked by a gang of fans at their training ground, but West Ham should avoid a summer swoop.

Carvalho is a typical defensive midfielder and could do a decent job for the Hammers, but his work rate is questionable, and his limited technical ability make him much less of a threat going forward than Dendoncker.

The Belgian is younger, hungrier and far more technically gifted, and could be the perfect missing link in Pellegrini’s midfield.

Why Dendoncker?

Valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, Dendoncker is one of the hottest prospects in Belgium’s next “golden generation”, and would be the ideal marquee signing to get Pellegrini’s reign off to a good start.

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While Carvalho is elite at breaking up play and stopping opposition attacks, Pellegrini needs a defensive midfielder who can dictate the game with the ball as well as without it, and that’s where the young Belgian has the edge.

Dendoncker is a superb passer, and any team that likes to keep the ball, as Pellegrini’s Hammers will, needs a player like the 23 year-old at the base of their midfield.

He is no slouch in a defensive sense either, averaging nearly two tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game last season.

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Carvalho boasts similar defensive stats, and would do the defensive side of the role for the Hammers, but Dendoncker is a truly special player, and could be a fan favourite for years to come.

So, West Ham fans, which defensive midfielder would you prefer to sign this summer? Let us know by voting in the poll below…