West Ham are keeping an eye on Hertha Berlin centre-back Niklas Stark with David Moyes seeking defensive recruits in January… and the German could go on the cheap with just six months left on his contract
- West Ham are in the market for a new centre-back after Angelo Ogbonna’s injury
- David Moyes is keen on Hertha Berlin’s Niklas Stark, who is a free agent next year
- January will be Hertha’s only chance to get a fee for him before the summer
Germany defender Niklas Stark has emerged as a potential centre-back target for West Ham.
The 26 year-old Hertha Berlin mainstay is one of the names on the high-flying Hammers’ radar as he heads towards the final six months of his contract.
The east Londoners were originally planning to review their central defensive options at the end of the season when Stark would be free.
West Ham are looking at Hertha Berlin’s Niklas Stark as they seek a new defender in January
Manager David Moyes wants recruitments after losing centre-back Angelo Ogbonna to injury
But the serious anterior cruciate knee ligament injury suffered by Angelo Ogbonna could force them into a re-think in January and to bring those plans forward.
Ogbonna’s absence will leave manager David Moyes with Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop as his remaining senior centre-back options.
Stark, who has been capped twice by his country, is a vital performer for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.
But, due to his contract situation, January represents their last chance to demand a fee for Stark if they cannot persuade him to sign an extension.