West Ham United are showing an interest in signing River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel, as reported by the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (23/01/2020, 20:43).

What's the story?

The Hammers are reportedly holding talks with the 23-year-old over a move that would bring him to London Stadium.

He was the youngest member of the River Plate side that overcame Boca Juniors in their Copa Libertadores triumph of 2018 and is now 23 years old.

Having played 11 of his 12 appearances this season as a right-back, with the other coming from right-midfield, the Argentinian could be a useful option during Ryan Fredericks' injury absence.

In addition to that, with Pablo Zabaleta leaving the club in the summer, his countryman could come in as a replacement for him.

Following Balbuena

This would see him follow in the footsteps of current West Ham centre-back Fabian Balbuena, after the now-28-year-old moved straight from South American giants Corinthians to the Premier League outfit.

He stepped straight in to make an impact for the Hammers, as despite missing 11 games after knee surgery, he still ended up making 23 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

This indicates that the step up from the top South American leagues to the Premier League can be made, even if there have been some struggles for the Paraguayan this season, most notably the part he played in goals conceded against Burnley and Sheffield United.

Did he really play for us?! No West Ham fan has managed to name all of these obscure Irons signings....

Even then, he has made 12 Premier League starts and one substitute appearance, averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 4.6 clearances and 0.4 blocks per game, while also winning 4.7 aerial duels.

It was that final aspect that was particularly impressive as he showed few signs of failing to keep up with the physicality of the top-flight.

With Montiel only being 23, there will be room for him to grow as a player at West Ham, which can only be a positive thing, though there will also be hope that he can follow in Balbuena's footsteps and make an immediate impact if he does come over from South America.

Meanwhile, there is one big issue with the £14.4m-rated striker that West Ham are making a move for.