Enock Kwateng of Nantes is tackled by Aleksandr Golovin of Monaco during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and FC Nantes at Stade Louis II on February 16, 2019 in Monaco. (Getty Images)
According to The Telegraph, West Ham United are keen to sign Bordeaux defender Enock Kwateng but face a battle with West Brom.
The Frenchman, 22, joined Bordeaux on a free transfer from Nantes. The young defender can play as a right-back and a centre-back, having started 23 games in the Ligue 1 last season. Enock Kwateng has made eight Ligue 1 appearances this term, assisting once.
The defender’s performances have caught the attention of Brighton as well, with Bordeaux willing to sell Kwateng for just £4million, the report adds.
West Ham, meanwhile, have struggled massively of late after a bright start to the 2019/20 season.
Club-record signing Sebastien Haller needs more support upfront as the Frenchman has managed five goals from 16 League appearances for the Hammers this season. In addition to a striker, Manuel Pellegrini should also strengthen his defensive ranks in January.
Having leaked 28 goals so far this season, it’s important for Pellegrini to address that position by bringing in a new central defender. A new right-back should also be considered, as Pablo Zabaleta seems to be well into the twilight of his career.
Ryan Fredericks is West Ham’s first-choice right-back but he needs to be pushed on. Thus, a sense of competition is required and landing Enock Kwateng would be a smart move.
A former France youth international, Kwateng has enormous pedigree having performed well at Bordeaux since arriving this summer.
As per Whoscored.com, the Franco-Ghanaian has registered an average of 3.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 3.4 clearances and 0.5 blocks, whilst achieving a passing success rate of 79.2%.
He is a no-nonsense defender and never hesitates to stick his leg out to stop the opponent from advancing. However, at the age of 22, Kwateng has a lot of room for improvement, both defensively and offensively.
Kwateng would be a smart addition for West Ham. He could be the long-term replacement for the ageing Zabaleta, whilst providing cover and competition for Fredericks.
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