According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, West Ham have had a look at Swansea's Joe Rodon as they look to sign a new central defender in this transfer window.

What's the word?

Reports in recent weeks have linked the Hammers with a big-money move for Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, but so far, the offers for the England international have failed to be accepted, with Sean Dyche's side holding out for an estimated £50m.

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Now, Steinberg has revealed potential transfer alternatives for West Ham, with the 6 foot 4 Rodon mentioned as a possible signing.

Steinberg suggests that the defender has been looked at by the Hammers, but that he too would also be very expensive for them.

Shades of Rio Ferdinand

Ever since Rio Ferdinand came through as a youngster at West Ham, the Hammers haven't really seen too many strong, ball-playing centre-backs in their team.

In Rodon, who's just 22, Moyes could get someone who can marshal the back-line for the next decade or so, if things go well. Journalist Dominic Booth, who used to cover Swansea for the South Wales Evening Post, declared: "He brings the ball out from the back, he's comfortable with it at his feet. Rodon was part of the Swansea U23 side who won the Premier League cup in 2017, alongside the likes of Oli McBurnie and Dan James - it's been a good crop from the club's academy to break through.

"Rodon is a leader given his age, a bit of an old head on young shoulders. He's good in the air despite not being a huge presence, and looks destined for bigger things."

For a 22-year-old to be described as a "leader" says everything about the nature of the Wales international's character, and it's that kind of personality the Hammers could do with in these testing times, both on and off the pitch.

Whilst Tarkowski may have been the man in their sights for the previous few weeks, West Ham could find a gem in someone much younger and with more room to grow. In a time where Moyes needs players to stand up and be counted, Rodon looks like he has the perfect mentality to do just that.