West Ham United are plotting a move for a World Cup star, following the injury to one of their key players…

What’s the latest?

According to Tutto Sport, the Hammers’ interest in Polish defender Jakub Kiwior has been sped up following Kurt Zouma’s knee surgery.

It is expected that the Frenchman will not play for some time after a procedure to correct a long-standing issue, and as such it will leave David Moyes somewhat light at the back despite his vast summer overhaul.

The 22-year-old is drawing interest from a number of clubs, with Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus all noted as suitors for the Spezia centre-back.

Zouma replacement

With Zouma having impressed since his £30m move to the London Stadium, this marks a huge blow for Moyes’ hopes of a successful season.

His team currently are sitting just one point above the relegation zone, but boasts just 17 goals conceded in 15 games.

The 28-year-old had played every minute of their Premier League season until he was forced off against Leicester City, further emphasising his importance.

Therefore, it demands the standard of his replacement to be impressive enough to fulfil his role for at least the remainder of this campaign.

In this Polish youngster – who Robert Lewandowski labelled “extraordinary” – they might just have that.

The legendary marksman was actually relentless in his praise for the young defender, as he continued by stating that “he has great potential."

Having featured in every one of his club’s Serie A matches this season too, despite his youth he has established himself as a mainstay for Spezia.

His continued presence in the side can be attributed to his 6.86 rating for the season, where he is averaging 1.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 3.7 clearances per game, via SofaScore.

Earning a call-up for his national team’s World Cup campaign too, the sky really is the limit for the 6 foot 2 stalwart.

In what was just his sixth cap and his first appearance in the game’s elite competition, he impressed in a back three as The Eagles held Mexico to a goalless draw.

He translated his domestic form into international success, as he recorded a remarkable five clearances as well as two interceptions.

There is a widespread belief that he can be one of the surprise players of this tournament, should he continue exhibiting his fine defensive work.

Kiwior has quickly risen to prominence for both club and country and could now have earned his move after the perfect opportunity seems to have presented itself in east London.