West Ham launch move for Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien | OneFootball

West Ham United are working on a deal to sign Olympique Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Hammers are looking to bolster the backline with at least two new centre-backs, and O’Brien has been added to the extensive shortlist.

The need for defensive reinforcements is amplified by the departure of club stalwart Angelo Ogbonna, who joined from Serie A giants Juventus nearly a decade ago.

Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma also face uncertain futures at the London Stadium, so technical director Tim Steidten wants to add at least two new players.

O’Brien could be one of those signings, with the Republic of Ireland international emerging as a concrete target for the Hammers.

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman remains the primary target for Steidten and Julen Lopetegui, but they have found it hard to reach an agreement with the Midlands club.

Wolves are reluctant to sell their captain, and the Hammers are determined to negotiate a fee lower than their £45 million asking price.

West Ham have already had two bids rejected for Kilman. They’re expected to return with a third, although the focus may have shifted to O’Brien.

O’Brien is a decent target for the Hammers

O’Brien was in fine form for Lyon last season, notching five goals and two assists in 32 appearances, including a goal in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Irishman helped to keep seven clean sheets in the league, averaging 3.6 clearances and 4.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

He also won 58 percent of his ground duels and had a 64% success rate in aerial battles, thanks to his towering frame.

O’Brien could be a decent addition to Lopetegui’s squad, but it remains to be seen how much Lyon will demand to sell him just one year after signing him from Crystal Palace.

The Irishman is valued at £10m on Transfermarkt, but there’s a decent chance Lyon will ask for more.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.