West Ham now plotting bid for "exciting" £34m talent, it could be bye-bye Dawson - opinion

West Ham United are reportedly amongst the Premier League clubs interested in signing Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix this summer.

According to Jeunes Footeux, via Birmingham Live, West Ham, as well as Aston Villa and Newcastle United, are keen to bring the Frenchman over to England this summer.

The 22-year-old did sign a contract extension in September to keep him at the German outfit until 2025, although it does have a release clause believed to be in the region of £34m which is set to become active this summer, according to Sky Germany via Bulinews.

With numerous cases of injuries and suspensions within the defensive to deal with this summer, there is little doubt that Hammers boss David Moyes will be keen to add at least one quality centre-back to his ranks this transfer window.

With Angelo Ogbonna still recovering from an ACL injury whilst both Issa Diop and Craig Dawson are subject to potential departures this summer, the Hammers will need to improve their defensive options.

In Lacroix, the Irons would be signing one of Europe’s top defensive prospects, with the 22-year-old making 35 appearances across the league and Champions League this term despite a poor season for Wolfsburg that saw them finish 12th in the Bundesliga.

Stood at 6 foot 3, the Frenchman, labelled as “exciting” by Statman Dave, has averaged 69.7 touches a Bundesliga match whilst completing 42.7 passes at an 81% accuracy.

Despite playing in a relatively poor side, the defender contributed to five clean sheets as well as making 2.1 interceptions, two tackles and 4.8 clearances a game whilst also winning 64% of his duels.

Compared to Dawson, who could depart this summer, Lacroix edges the Englishman.

The current West Ham centre-back has averaged