West Ham United appear to be keeping an eye on a Hungarian defender as David Moyes looks set to strengthen his squad in January…

What’s the news?

According to a report from Turkey (via Sport Witness), West Ham are closely watching defender Attila Szalai who plays for Fenerbahce.

The London side face competition from fellow Premier League teams Newcastle United and Leicester City as the January transfer window looms on the horizon.

The report goes on to say that despite having a contract until 2025, the centre-back wants to leave the club at the end of the current season.

Ideal Angelo Ogbonna heir

Moyes significantly boosted his defensive options in the summer transfer window, signing Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer to complement Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma and Ogbonna.

However, with Dawson seeking a move away from the club in January and Ogbonna’s contract expiring next summer, the 59-year-old looks to be thinking ahead to the summer in order to sign another defender.

An imposing figure at the heart of defence, Szalai was described as “exemplary” by Emre Belözoğlu and he will be familiar to England supporters having starred for Hungary in their 4-0 victory over Gareth Southgate’s men.

Szalai has impressed this season in Turkey, playing 13 league matches for Fenerbahce, taking on average, 67.8 touches per match, proving that he is a ball-playing defender and regularly demands the play to start attacks.

He has helped his side keep seven clean sheets while making 1.2 interceptions, 1.0 tackles and 1.8 clearances per match, demonstrating his defensive ability. The 24-year-old uses his 6 foot 4 frame to excellent effect, winning 69% of his aerial duels this season and he could form an excellent partnership with either Aguerd or Kehrer at the heart of the West Ham defence.

A full ten years younger than Ogbonna, Szalai is certainly a player who can be the cornerstone of the defence for years to come.

The Italian has been a solid player for West Ham since joining in 2015, however, a serious injury sustained last term made sure he missed the majority of the season and it may cost him an extra year or two in his career.

The Hungarian would be an ideal replacement for the 34-year-old if he leaves in the summer, and as result, Moyes must continue to keep a close eye on Szalai.