Offer tabled: Newman makes final week West Ham push for ‘excellent’ £20m international - report

According to a report in the paper edition of The Scottish Daily Mail (via West Ham Zone), the Irons and transfer chief Rob Newman have tabled an offer to sign Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

Manager David Moyes is reportedly on the hunt for new defenders despite getting summer signing Kurt Zouma back from injury recently.

Angelo Ogbonna remains sidelined after undergoing surgery with the Scotsman having just Zouma, Issa Diop and Craig Dawson to choose from in his roster.

This has lead to repeated links with the likes of Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips and Burnley ace James Tarkowski with The Mail now sharing an update as they return for a previous target in Caleta-Car.

As per the Scottish Mail (Page 75 via WHZ), the Hammers have made a bid to sign the Croatia international on loan for Moyes as Newman seeks to bolster West Ham’s options.

However, as explained, Marseille have rejected the offer and it is claimed that West Ham will have to make a permanent move if they’re to reach an agreement.

This news is backed by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who says that the Ligue 1 side value Caleta-Car at around £20 million if an agreement is to be reached.

The journalist also says he is an ‘excellent player’ and has an ‘outside chance’ of joining West Ham before January 31, and we advise Newman to come back with an improved offer and get it done.

The 25-year-old, standing at a colossal 6 foot 3, has the physicality to succeed in England and his age indicates that he would have plenty of years at the London Stadium ahead.

An established 20-cap ace for Croatia, £20m actually seems like a reasonable fee given West Ham’s need for defensive options.

In other news: ExWHUemployee: West Ham eyeing move to sign ‘battle-hardened’