With David Moyes clearly keen on bolstering his back line, West Ham United have yet again been linked with a central defender…

What’s the latest?

As per Dean Jones, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Hammers are reportedly eyeing a move for Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

The 25-year-old is currently on the outskirts of the Reds’ first team and could prove something of a coup should Moyes tempt him to the London Stadium. He does still have three years left on his £65k-per-week deal, however.

Jones claimed about potential Anfield exits: “The strongest interest I guess you could say would be West Ham and Nat Phillips.

“They’ve had a keen eye on him, they’ve had good reports on him and they considered going for him strongly in the summer window. So I can see that one coming around again.”

Another Dawson masterclass

Although what might seem a rather unassuming signing, with Moyes one can never rule out the potential revival of a career: particularly as a defender.

When the Irons introduced Craig Dawson after his initial loan spell, it was suggested that the ageing stalwart would simply provide added cover for the bigger names.

However, he has since featured 83 times for the club, earning praise for his solidity and goalscoring proficiency from set pieces. He has bagged nine times during this period and was instrumental in their European run last season.

In Phillips, there is precedent to suggest that the Scotsman could repeat his success once again with another hulking defender who has had an unspectacular career thus far.

What instantly could draw comparisons between him and Dawson is the praise that Jamie Redknapp lauded over him, claiming: “He's a throwback defender. He wants to make blocks, he wants to make tackles, he's got great anticipation.”

Ranking in the top 2% for aerials won across Europe's top five leagues also suggests that he could be the physical monster needed to perhaps supplement Kurt Zouma, whilst replacing that threat from set pieces that the loss of Dawson would bring.

The Melwood graduate also does have a goal for the Merseyside club, as he coped with the physical demands a game against Burnley brings with a powerful header.

He is hardly the most exciting signing in the world but has all the attributes for Moyes to mould him into his ideal defender. Given his relative youth too, this would likely turn into a brilliant signing.