An interesting twist has emerged in West Ham's pursuit of a new centre-back this week...

What's the word?

The Irons have been left frustrated by their attempts to secure David Moyes a new top-level addition in defence, having been linked to several names throughout the summer transfer window.

Last week, reports emerged suggesting that Chelsea's Kurt Zouma had rejected the opportunity to move to the London Stadium. However, it now seems that a potential deal isn't completely dead in the water.

That's according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, who delivered a fresh update on the situation to his 'The West Ham Way' Patreon site.

He outlined: "In an interesting turn of events, I am hearing that talks for Zouma have resumed and that the transfer could still be back on.

"It is thought that West Ham went in with one last offer and that this offer could be enough to get it over the line. The talks will continue today and with Milenkovic (still agent issues with that deal) but this could be yet another interesting twist in the story as Zouma was always the preferred choice.

"The deal with Zouma could progress further now and we will keep you updated as we have done all window."

Fresh transfer twist

Seeing as plenty of Hammers supporters were very keen to see the club pull off an audacious move for the Champions League winner, who Blues legend John Terry once described as a "beast", this latest update should leave many fans buzzing that it could be back on.

Angelo Ogbonna is facing time on the sidelines through injury and could miss this weekend's opener against Newcastle United, whilst Moyes let Fabian Balbuena see out his contract, so there's certainly a need for a new central defensive addition and quickly.

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Zouma would be a fine addition for the Europa League-bound Irons, particularly given his experience and skillset.

Described as a "top level" defender by current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, the £34m-rated Frenchman displayed his imposing physical attributes by averaging 3.6 aerial duels won per game, as well as his ability on the ball, managing a seasonal 90.9% passing accuracy, as per WhoScored.

In terms of passing, only three other centre-backs in the top-flight managed a better average - none from West Ham.

When the reports first surfaced, the fanbase went wild. "Imagine him on the end of a [Aaron] Cresswell corner," claimed one supporter, whilst another suggested it would be a "steal," as per Hammers.News.

Despite it being only a small portion of the reactions, it very much highlights the general consensus at the London Stadium. Therefore, this exciting twist should give them hope that a deal for Zouma could still be completed before the deadline in three weeks' time.

AND in other news, GSB could end Moyes' transfer nightmare with West Ham swoop for £16.2m-rated "leader"...