Moyes could secure the perfect Ogbonna heir as WHU eye move for “exemplary” 6ft4 titan - opinion

West Ham United are believed to be considering a move for Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai, with manager David Moyes eyeing up a new defensive recruit.

According to Sky Sports Germany, the Hammers have turned their attention towards the Hungary international this summer, with uncertainty mounting over their ability to convince Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer to join the club.

The report suggests that the latter man’s preference is to stay in France at present, while the east Londoners are also seemingly unwilling to pay the required €20m fee for the German’s services, with just a year remaining on his existing deal at the Parc des Princes.

That fact has seen Szalai – who only made the move to Turkey 18 months ago – emerge as a potential alternative for those at the London Stadium, with further defensive cover needed following the long-term injury to summer signing, Nayef Aguerd.

A left-footed centre-back standing at an impressive 6 foot 4, Szalai would appear to be the ideal heir to that of current West Ham man Angelo Ogbonna, with the veteran Italian likely to be approaching the end of his time at the club sooner rather than later.

The 34-year-old, 6 foot 3 brute – who is also left-footed – has been a sparkling performer for the London Stadium outfit since joining from Juventus back in 2015, racking up 200 appearances for the club in all competitions thus far.

A hugely reliably figure for the Irons, particularly under Moyes in recent years, the one-time Torino man was notably lauded by teammate Declan Rice back in 2020, with the Englishman stating that: “He’s so good. Honestly, he’s gone to another level this season. He looks like a real top, top centre-half and he’s stepped up when it’s really mattered.”

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