"I believe" - ExWHUemployee drops big West Ham transfer claim, supporters will love it - opinion

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, according to trusted Irons insider ExWHUemployee.

Asked about the Hammers’ possible interest in the Frenchman on Twitter, the respected club source revealed that “he is one” that the east London club are targeting, as David Moyes seeks to bolster his defensive ranks this summer.

The 21-year-old centre-back had been linked with a move to the London Stadium in January, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United also reportedly placed a £33m bid to secure his services in the winter.

The 6 foot 4 colossus has recently piqued the interest of any prospective English suitors by insisting that it would be a “dream” to play in the Premier League, with an offer of around £40m likely to be enough to lure him from the Stade Louis II.

In full, Ex said: “I did some of our centre back targets on the podcast this morning and I forgot to mention him but yes I believe he is one.”

Signing a new centre-back appears to be high on the priority list for GSB this summer, with West Ham having been caught short in recent weeks due to a lack of depth in the heart of the defence.

Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson have predominantly been the first-choice pairing this term, although there is little quality in reserve beyond that duo, with 34-year-old Angelo Ogbonna yet to return from long-term injury, while Issa Diop has been linked with a departure after a frustrating last few seasons.

Reinforcements are needed and Badiashile could be the man to do the job, with the starlet having enjoyed another fine campaign in Ligue 1. In the current French top-flight campaing, he has averaged 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game in his 23 outings, while also