West Ham United have submitted a bid for Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior, who currently plays for Italian side Spezia.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Sky Sports international reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, who tweeted: “€12m bid from West Ham for AC Spezia talent Kiwior.”

It’s no secret that David Moyes urgently needs defensive reinforcements due to injuries, but a move for Kiwior has somewhat come out of the blue.

There is interest from AC Milan too, however, it appears that the Rossoneri are only looking at a potential deal for January or next summer.

A fee of £10m for a player who has already made 22 Serie A appearances could turn into a bargain.

Moyes needs another defender

West Ham signed Nayef Aguerd in the summer for a fee of £30m and he was expected to ease the problems in the heart of the defence for Moyes.

A serious ankle injury in a pre-season clash against Rangers firmly put those plans on the back burner and has spurned the manager back into the transfer market for another defender.

With a move for Thilo Kehrer reportedly heating up, the Polish defender could be next on the list.

A move for Kiwior could be a shrewd one, especially with the aforementioned fee quoted. The 22-year-old made his Poland debut in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the Nations League in June and a move to the Premier League could give him a chance at a World Cup spot.

Compared to positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues, Kiwior ranks in the top 4% for blocks (2.38 per 90), 6% for clearances (2.57) and top 11% for pressures (23.92) over the last 365 days, proving that he should be able to ease into life in England without any problems.

Although Kiwior won't be signed to immediately displace Zouma, the Polish international stats in comparison to the Frenchman’s are like night and day, with the 27-year-old ranking in the fourth percentile for pressures (4.83 per 90) and 54th percentile for blocks (1.74).

While Moyes needs reinforcements to adjust straight away, Kiwior has the attributes and talent that could make him a mainstay at the heart of the West Ham defence for the next few seasons.

The defender has been dubbed “strong” by Ryan Hubbard and the next logical step for him to make is a move to the Premier League.