West Ham are eyeing a move for wantaway Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell, according to TBRFootball.

The website report that the 27-year-old is “desperate to leave” Stamford Bridge, having been effectively frozen out by head coach Enzo Maresca.

Chilwell was relegated to training with the reserves for a time as the Blues tried to force him out during the summer transfer window.

However, after he failed to find a move, he was reintegrated into the squad, albeit he is getting barely any game time, having played just 45 minutes as a substitute in the second half of the Carabao Cup tie against Barrow last month.

Chilwell has plenty of suitors

TBR claim that the Hammers are just one of seven clubs pursuing the left-back’s services. Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace, former side Leicester, Marseille and Europa League winners Atalanta are also said to be interested.

A switch to Manchester United has, though, been ruled out, with the Red Devils having rejected the opportunity to sign Chilwell in the summer.

West Ham already have a former Chelsea fullback on their books

Emerson Palmieri was signed from the Blues just over two years ago and the Italian international is currently Julen Lopetegui‘s first choice on the left-hand side of defence.

However, the fullback hasn’t managed to replicate his form from last season and many feel that, if Chilwell can stay fit, he would be an upgrade.

The England international’s sizeable wages would be an issue for most teams and it is believed that a loan in January is probably the most likely option for the player. That would definitely suit the Hammers, considering that they are not exactly flush with cash at the moment having spent heavily on 9 first-team players last summer.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here