West Ham handed transfer boost over Hertha colossus Niklas Stark | OneFootball

West Ham United have been handed a transfer boost ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

The Irons have recently been linked with a move for Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark, with manager David Moyes said to be keen on securing the 26-year-old this winter, even more so after losing Angelo Ogbonna for the season.

Now, according to Fussball Transfers, the Bundesliga outfit would be open to selling the two-time Germany international, but only if they are able to find a viable replacement.

However, the club risk losing him for nothing in the summer as his contract is currently set to expire. Transfermarkt value the 6 foot 3 colossus at just £9m.

Do West Ham need to sign a centre-back this January?

Absolutely!

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No way!

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Imagine him and Zouma

A new central defender has quickly emerged as one of the Hammers’ top priorities in the transfer window and they could do little wrong in sealing a bargain move for Stark.

The German beast can play anywhere across the backline, as well as in holding midfield, which not only makes him decent cover for Ogbonna but also a host of Moyes’ first-team stars. That could be very beneficial, with West Ham still competing across all competitions heading into 2022.

Hertha head coach Pal Dardai once dubbed Stark a “real force” and “exactly the sort of player every coach wants to have,” whilst ex-Germany boss Joachim Low has previously described him “physical, versatile and focused,” per Bundesliga.com.

Indeed, the 26-year-old centre-back leads the Hertha squad for aerial duels won (2.4 per game) and is a close second for clearances (5.6 per game) this season, too.

Elsewhere, he is equally adept with the ball at his feet, managing an 83.6% passing accuracy from an average of 45.5 passes per game, which only one other Hertha player can better, via WhoScored.

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Who cost more?

Pablo Fornals Issa Diop

Kurt Zouma needs a new defensive partner and Stark could well be that man, with Craig Dawson looking a little suspect against Wolves and Moyes’ lack of faith in Issa Diop in the big time.

Newman and the club’s recruitment staff could well seal an absolute bargain, should they move for the Hertha star in January.