[ad_pod ]

According to The Telegraph, Marcos Rojo is likely to be first out the door as Manchester United look to revamp their weak defence ahead of next season - West Ham should pounce on the Argentine to ensure Declan Rice never has to step in at centre-back ever again.

What's the word?

Well, The Telegraph reports that, with their priority being to sign a top central-defender, the Red Devils are keen to balance their books by offloading Rojo, who is considered the most expendable of the current crop.

The 28-year-old left United's Dubai training camp early, with caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer of the belief that he must clear his head after spending time on the sidelines due to injury.

Having made just four appearances in all competitions this season, the former Sporting man looks to have been completely frozen out at Old Trafford but could definitely do a job in a West Ham team decimated by injuries.

Versatility is key

The misfit plays predominantly at the heart of defence but can deputise at left-back, where the Hammers have struggled to find consistency - Aaron Cresswell is losing his legs and Arthur Masuaku might be a threat going forward but is a liability on the back foot.

Injuries to Fabian Balbuena and Winston Reid have meant that Angelo Ogbonna has stepped in next to the impressive Issa Diop, but the former Torino man has been sloppy and is far from a good enough backup if the Irons are to take the step up that they so clearly yearn for.

The 30-year-old did well to null Arsenal's attack last weekend but, aside from that performance, has been a glaring weak point. Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, Declan Rice has been sensational in midfield this season, despite coming through the ranks as a centre-back, but Pellegrini may be tempted to deploy him in the back four if Ogbonna's form drops - that cannot happen.

Signing Rojo would enable to Irishman to continue in his favoured enforcer role and also ease the pressure on Diop at the back - what do you think, West Ham fans? Rojo is a controversial figure who loves a yellow card, but should Manuel Pellegrini sign the £13.5m man? Let us know by voting in the poll below...