Recent reports have seen West Ham United linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, the 23-year-old centre-back having caught the eye following a string of impressive displays since his move to the Bundesliga side just over two years ago.

There had been suggestion that the Burkina Faso international could be available for £44m - owing to a release clause in his previous contract - although having signed a bumper new deal in December 2020, the belief is that it would take a much higher price to prise him from Germany.

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The Hammers are believed to be in the market for a new central defender this summer, with Burnley's James Tarkowski one name to have emerged as a possible target, as well as Manchester City target Nathan Ake.

In Tapsoba, however, David Moyes may have found a lesser-known, yet high-quality target who can immediately strengthen the club's backline, with the centre of defence seemingly an area that needs bolstering.

Veteran ace Angelo Ogbonna has missed most of the campaign with injury and is perhaps ready to be replaced, with Frenchman Issa Diop linked with the exit door after a difficult last few seasons at the London Stadium.

The east London outfit have largely had to rely on the first-choice pairing of Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson, although the lack of depth has been heightened in recent weeks, with left-back Aaron Cresswell having been thrust into a central role at times due to injury issues.

Should they turn to the Leverkusen man in the upcoming window, the £36m-rated ace would provide an almost instant upgrade on their current options, having been dubbed a player with a "big potential" by Rudi Voller upon his arrival in Germany.

This season has seen the 6 foot 4 giant particularly impress, as he has averaged 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and three clearances per 90 in the league, while he has also won 72% of his aerial duels and 65% of his total duels.

Clearly a fearsome prospect for any forward, the towering defender - who has also been described as "ridiculously strong" according to the Bundesliga website - would be an obvious fit for Moyes' side, with the Scotsman preferring centre-backs who can defend first and foremost, rather being necessarily comfortable in possession.

Not that the £51k-per-week gem is a weak link with the ball at his feet, ranking in the top 12% for pass completion among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues, while he also ranks in the top 17% for progressive carries made.

As the Hammers look to kick on again next season and attempt to truly disrupt the top four, a signing of such quality would be a welcome one.

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