West Ham United are among the teams tracking Marc Guehi ahead of the summer transfer window...

What's the word?

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have triggered a 12-month extension that ties the England U21 international down for the next two years before they make a decision on his future at Stamford Bridge.

Having spent the season on loan to Championship outfit Swansea City, he could be sent out temporarily for the third time or they could cash in on the 20-year-old, with his value expected to be in the region of £15m to £20m.

Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Southampton have interest in signing him, as well as Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, too, whilst the Hammers have looked at him before.

Strength in depth

With a place in Europe next season a plausible scenario for West Ham, the Irons need to start planning for next season and they will absolutely have to give David Moyes more strength in depth if they are to contend in another competition.

The 58-year-old manager has already had to deal with his fair share of injury problems throughout the campaign, and that's without playing the extra midweek matches across Europe.

Another striker to pair with Michail Antonio should be top priority, but a central defender will be required too, as we have often seen Aaron Cresswell fill in when a back three is deployed.

West Ham are also set to lose Fabian Balbuena as his contract will expire at the end of the season.

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In Guehi, they could find an interesting solution, especially as he wouldn't be expected to usurp either Craig Dawson or Angelo Ogbonna upon arrival.

The 20-year-old gem, who stands at 6-foot, has been impressive for Steve Cooper's side this season, even performing better than the aforementioned Hammers stars in many defensive facets.

Across 40 Championship appearances, Guehi has averaged 3.2 aerials won, 1.7 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, via WhoScored.

Despite being two inches smaller than Dawson, and three inches smaller than Ogbonna, he is winning more in the air than the pair of them and is also more productive when the ball is on the ground.

The former West Brom and Watford centre-back is only managing 0.5 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, whilst the Italian brute isn't much better, with just one tackle and one interception per match.

Some of Guehi's England U21 teammates have waxed lyrical about his strength.

In a video clip posted to Twitter, the Chelsea man was dubbed an "absolute tank" and "massive" by Stoke goalkeeper Josef Bursik, whilst his Blues academy pal Conor Gallagher claimed that "you can’t get around him."

Guehi would be one for the future but he could certainly make an instant contribution if needed, so GSB must look to sanction a move for him should he become available in the summer.

AND in other news, West Ham handed huge injury boost ahead of Brighton clash...