West Ham could revive interest in Super Eagles’ versatile defender – report

The Hammers have issues to addressi ng defence and will need reinforcement ahead of the crucial second half of the season

Premier League campaigners West Ham have been tipped to make another attempt to sign Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina from Torino during the January transfer window.

The Hammers made a late move for Aina in the summer but they ultimately failed in that effort as Torino refused to part with the Nigerian defender.

But West Ham continue to have defensive problems at fullback with Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, and Ben Johnson either struggling with form, consistency, or injuries.

A veteran of two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and 93 Serie A caps, Aina guarantees quality and versatility, being able to function effectively at right-back and left-back.

And according to a report from the Evening Standard, the 26-year-old is one of the options West Ham could try to sign in the winter.

Ola Aina to West Ham: How likely?

West Ham, though, are not expected to make any significant purchases in January following their huge outlay on new signings in the summer.

While Aina is likely keen on a return to the Premier League, the former Fulham star may have to look at other options and away from West Ham following manager David Moyes’ recent transfer comments.

The Hammers boss told TalkSport that the club will not be active in the transfer market.

Asked if West Ham will strengthen when the transfer window reopens in the new year, Moyes said: “Nah, I don’t think we will.

“Because I have to say the board did really well by us and spent a good amount of money in the summer, we brought in nine new players, which is more than anybody would want to do, really.

“But we needed it because we’ve got a European campaign again and because of the amount of games we played in the year before. Even this season I think we’ve played more games than any other Premier League team at this stage of the season, so we needed to add those players.

“But January will probably be a no, unless we need something through injury or someone comes available. But, in truth, I don’t see us doing much business, no.”

Anything can happen in football, though. Especially as Ola Aina is in the last few months of his contract with Torino.

The Italian Serie A club is in talks with the Chelsea academy product to extend his stay beyond next summer.

Genk sign Yira Sor

Meanwhile, Belgian giants KRC Genk have announced the signing of former Flying Eagles star Yira Sor from Slavia Prague.

The 22-year-old winger cost the Pro League club €4.50 million, becoming one of the Smurfs’s most expensive signings.