Hammers talk on defender ‘interest’

West Ham are unlikely to be making a move  for reported target  FC Lorient defender Lamine Kone.

The Ivory Coast international is apparently bang on the Irons radar according to morning reports although club sources have played down the supposed interest.

Sunderland and Aston Villa are also reported to be interested and with the Irons well stocked with central defenders it would be a surprise if they weren’t left to fight it out among themselves.

Kone has had a great season but the Hammers are more than happy with the central defenders available to them at the moment.

ClaretandHugh was told: “We have Winston Reid, James Tomkins and Angelo Ogbonna available along with James Collins.

“And we have made it clear in the past that we may be ready to recall Reece Burke from his loan spell at Bradford City if needed.

“Quite apart from anything else, there is no money avaialble and players will have to leave for us to bring in new ones. However, that won’t be at central defence.”