Real Madrid now competing with West Ham to sign £17m defender – report

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West Ham United are in need of bolstering their defensive ranks in the January transfer window.

The Hammers were looking for defensive reinforcements even before injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.

Although Zouma is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery, he’s still not expected back before February.

In December, 90Min reported that West Ham were eyeing Marcos Senesi as a potential January signing.

However, the Hammers were far from the only team reportedly eyeing the Feyenoord centre-back.

As well as West Ham, the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United, Leeds, Newcastle and Aston Villa were also in pursuit.

Now, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid have now joined the race to land the Feyenoord and Argentina centre-back.

Senesi signed from San Lorenzo in 2019 and he has since emerged as one of the best defenders in Dutch football.

Feyenoord fans have nicknamed him “The Gladiator” due to his intense, no-nonsense style.

Senesi is left-footed and known for being an aggressive defender who boasts a good range of passing. He is also great at both ends of the pitch.

His contract expires in the summer of 2023 and a move to a big club – whether in the Premier League or La Liga – would be a good step up for him.

According to 90Min, Senesi has a price tag of 20m euro, or around £17million – very much a bargain.