West Ham may consider a loan offer for Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Hammers have been linked with his teammate Ian Maatsen but Jones says there is a “possibility” that David Moyes’s side will pursue a move for the Spaniard instead:
“Ian Maatsen at Chelsea is a name that keeps cropping up, and it’s not beyond the possibility that they explore Marc Cucurella after United struggled to close that one. Chelsea are going to let at least one of those players out on loan from what I’m told, so it would make sense that West Ham are in the loop.”
As Jones mentions, Cucurella has been the subject of interest from Manchester United but the deal collapsed over Chelsea’s demands for a £7m loan fee.
Whether that would also put off David Moyes’ side, we shall have to wait and see. Going after Maatsen would probably be the preferred option but his situation is complicated.
The Dutchman’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season, and the Blues would likely want to sell him (rather than loan him out) if he doesn’t put pen to paper on an extension.
Would Cucurella be a good signing for West Ham?
It was only a year ago that Chelsea were prepared to pay £62m to sign the 25-year-old from Brighton but the left-back has had a difficult twelve months.
Cucurella has struggled to settle, finding himself behind Ben Chilwell in the pecking order for game time. A fresh start at West Ham could, though, do him wonders.
Could other players be signed before the transfer window closes?
It is believed that the Irons are on the lookout for a winger and a striker. Juventus’s Filip Kostic appears to be one of the main targets to strengthen the club’s options out wide.
In terms of reinforcing the forward line, talks are believed to be ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain over loaning Hugo Etikite and discussions are concurrently taking place with Sevilla for Youssef En-Nesyri.