REAL Hammers interest in defender

West Ham have a big interest in Alaves central defender Guillermo Maripan despite denials of contact between the clubs from the La Liga outfit.

The report has been around for several days that Manuel Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos have identified the central defender as a player they want this summer.

But it was down played overnight when Alaves sporting director Sergio Fernandez has told Radio Agricultura that there has been no contact from us.

However, a well placed source inside the London Stadium told CandH by e-mail: “We need central defenders and there is interest.” 

The 24 year old has been in terrific form for his club as the La Liga surprise packets have risen to fifth place but would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

He has two years left on his Alaves contract and is likely to be available at around £10m – £12m.

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon