West Ham United are looking to breathe fresh life into the defensive ranks following a lacklustre start to the campaign, having performed so well under David Moyes the past few seasons.

What’s the word?

The Hammers have qualified in first position from their Europa Conference League group, but sit in 16th place in the Premier League having played 15 matches.

Looking to provide stability from the back, Moyes is targeting different options in defence, with Spezia centre-back Jakub Kiwior at the top of the winter shopping list. 

But reports stemming from Italian publication La Nazione state that Kiwior will attract a high fee, should his club be willing to part with their ace, with the Hammers previously having a £10m offer rejected and a revised fee of closer to £20m required to prise him away from Italian claws. 

Perfect Zouma cover

With Kurt Zouma having knee surgery last week, Kiwior would be the perfect remedy to ail the Hammers’ defensive issues, having starred in the Italian Serie A and consequently earning a starting spot in Poland’s World Cup squad.

The Poles have enjoyed a successful start to the tournament in Qatar, drawing with Mexico before defeating Saudi Arabia, with the 22-year-old steering the side towards a clean sheet in both outings.

With Argentina still to play and qualification to the knockout phase hanging in the balance, Kiwior will need to harness all of his defensive acumen if he is to thwart the advances of the likes of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. 

As per Sofascore, the seven-cap international boasts an average passing accuracy of 78% at the World Cup, as well as making 2.0 interceptions and 4.0 clearances per match. 

And, Whoscored record statistics for Spezia this season highlighting his integral presence in the Serie A side as they look to stave off relegation, completing 85.9% of his passes and contributing with 1.1 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per game. 

Compatriot and coveted striker Robert Lewandowski recently lauded the defender as “extraordinary”, high praise indeed from a devastating forward that will face the young ace regularly in training. 

The 6-foot-2 colossus would be a valuable addition to Moyes’ team, wielding his preferred left foot to slot into the fray and nurture his budding talent in the Premier League, also playing in an anchor position when required, illustrating a versatile approach that will only enhance his prospects of landing a career-changing move to West Ham. 

With European endeavours set to continue in the early stages of next year, Kiwior would also provide cover across multiple competitions as the London-based outfit look to challenge for European silverware, with the FA Cup third round also set to commence shortly after the culmination of the World Cup.