Could West Ham be set to beat Stoke City to the signing of Bruno Martins Indi?

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Bruno Martins Indi had an impressive season after joining Stoke City on loan. The Potters are keen to bring him back to the Bet365 Stadium, but Portuguese outlet Record report that they are facing competition from Premier League rivals West Ham United.

Although Mark Hughes’ team had the option of making the move permanent for €10 million, they have not activated it as they believe they can sign him for less. That leaves the door ajar for other teams to enter the race and the Hammers could do just that.

Would he be a good signing for West Ham?

The Dutch international did well in his first season in English football and quickly adapted to the physical style. He formed a good partnership with Ryan Shawcross and helped the side to another impressive defensive campaign.

Aerially, he is competent without standing out as one of the best in this specific area. He won 45.54% of his aerial duels, but it is his ability on the ball that makes him an attractive proposition for the Hammers, as he would be a good partner for Winston Reid.

Martins Indi is reliable and aggressive defender, who is good at winning back the ball. He looks to step out of the back four and make challenges when required, which allows him to progress forward and launch attacks.

Last season, he averaged 1.2 successful tackles and 1.83 interceptions. His pace allows him to recover when he is caught out of his position and at times, last season, Jose Fonte was targeted after joining the club. This would be a signing to address that weakness.

How likely is a transfer to the London Stadium?

The Portuguese press has been known to be heavily influenced by agents and this could be a negotiating ploy to force Stoke into signing the defender. The Dutchman is likely to leave Porto this summer and after his success last season, it is expected that he will favour a move back to the Premier League.

He was a good fit at Stoke, but the Potters haven’t progressed much during the last two or three years. Despite their underwhelming campaign last year, West Ham would offer an exciting option to Martins Indi and they have the spending power to bring him to the club.

A move to Stoke remains more likely, due to his ties with the club. However, if they continue to delay making an acceptable offer, they do leave themselves open to being beaten to the defender’s signature. This is certainly one to keep an eye on, as good Premier League defenders are difficult to find, especially at the price that Martins Indi will be available for.

West Ham made an error in January when they signed an ageing Jose Fonte. It wasn’t the right fit for the team and they will want to bring in another centre back this summer to add further competition. Bruno Martins Indi would be a good fit, but it remains early days where this potential deal is concerned.

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