“Retain” | Potter makes big call on Academy player | OneFootball

Graham Potter has decided to keep Kaelan Casey amongst the West Ham squad this season.

It appears the Head Coach is looking to strengthen the defence, although that appears at this stage to be a hurdle to overcome in the summer rather than this January.

Club insider ExWHUEmployee provided an update on The West Ham Way the current situation as the club continue to strengthen the squad for the Potter era in east London.

“West Ham have held talks with a number of players over recent weeks but it appears these could all be summer targets with the main focus around forwards for now,” stated Ex.

“We had positive talks with Genoa defender Koni De Winter’s agent about a possible move and it seems this could be an option in the summer. The 6’3 Belgium born centre back has been on loan at Genoa From Juventus last season

“Lopetegui was pushing for us to resign Craig Dawson at the start or the window. Whilst he is obviously someone we admire the reason he chose to leave the club before was to be closer to his family in Rochdale. So unless the circumstances had changed then it would seem strange that he would want to move back.”

Ex also provided an update on Kaelan Casey, following noises he could be allowed to leave on loan, however it appears Potter has decided to keep the Academy defender in his squad for the remainder of the season,

“Kaelan Casey had enquired about whether he could go out on loan for the remainder of the season, added Ex. “He has been told however that alongside Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford that he is considered an important first team squad member.

“The club have also received positive news that Jean-Clair Todibo could be back for the Brentford game. It would seem that Potter is likely to go with Kilman, Todibo, Mavropanos and Casey as the centre backs for the remainder of the season as it is felt that Alvarez could also cover there if needed, plus Cresswell and Coufal in a back three.”