West Ham United are set to face a transfer battle over a Ligue 1 defender as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad this month…
What’s the word?
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are chasing AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi this month, however, they face stiff competition from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The report doesn’t state a price tag for the player, although, during the last few days of the summer transfer window, Paris Saint-Germain were interested in Disasi and Monaco were looking at a fee of around €50m (£44m).
With Monaco already losing centre-back Benoit Badiashile to Chelsea recently, it could cost Moyes more than £44m to secure Disasi’s services during this window.
Disasi could be a Dawson upgrade
Moyes’ side have failed to replicate last season's form as they currently occupy 17th spot in the Premier League table having conceded 24 goals in 18 matches, by no means the worst record in the division but it will give the manager some cause for concern.
With both Angelo Ogbonna and Dawson’s contracts set to expire in the summer, Moyes will be aiming to bring in replacements this month, and Disasi could undoubtedly be a big upgrade on the Englishman.
The Monaco defender has registered far better statistics over a variety of metrics this season which could make him a much better choice at the heart of the West Ham defence, including goal contributions (four to zero), pass success rate (81.9% to 79.0%), tackles won (13 to six) and aerial duel success rate (78.2% to 66.7%).
Disasi was a part of the France squad that finished runners-up to Argentina at the World Cup and standing at 6 foot 3, the “dominant” titan – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – could be an excellent option for Moyes.
Dawson was linked away with a move during the summer window and despite Moyes keeping the 32-year-old at the London stadium, if he manages to secure a deal for Disasi this month, it could give the Scot a licence to ditch the Englishman while securing an upgrade in the process.