West Ham have strangely been linked with a new right-back this week...

What's the word?

According to The Independent's Nick Mashiter, the Hammers are keen on signing Norwich City defender Max Aarons this summer as David Moyes plans for the future amid their top-four challenge.

It's thought that the Championship league leaders will demand in the region of £30m and there is also interest from Premier League rivals Spurs as well as Everton.

However, there is a belief that the England U21 international would like to remain in the south, so that could rule out the Merseysiders.

Waste of resources

There is no denying that Aarons is a huge talent with major potential but a move for him this summer would be a complete waste of money on West Ham's part as they already have Vladimir Coufal, whilst Ben Johnson's emergence is encouraging, too.

The 5 foot 10 dynamo, who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, was dubbed a "special player" with an "unbelievable future" by Canaries boss Daniel Farke back in December, and previous interest from Bayern Munich only goes to show just how good he could become.

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You would imagine that £30m will be a huge chunk of Moyes' budget this summer, irrespective of whether or not they qualify for Europe, especially with many teams still dealing with the financial implications post-pandemic, such as having no supporters in the ground all season.

The Irons still desperately need a striker as they are still yet to replace Sebastien Haller, who left for Ajax in January. GSB failed in their attempts to bring a new forward to the London Stadium and it has left Moyes in dire straits up top.

Michail Antonio is West Ham's only recognised striker and he's unable to keep fit. His recent hamstring problem is set to keep him out for the remainder of the season, which would mean he's only played 21 times in the top-flight this term.

That should be their top priority, and if David Sullivan and David Gold are to spend £30m anywhere, then it has to be up top. Otherwise, they will be dealing Moyes yet another silly blow to their fortunes.

Coufal and Johnson is a decent tandem on the right for several years to come. On the other hand, a perennially injured 31-year-old on his own up top is not the answer for the long-term.

AND in other news, "Would be a very good signing for West Ham" - Exclusive: Harewood drops 30-goal striker claim...