Report: Fenerbahce want West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna

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Turkish outlet Takvim have claimed that Fenerbahce are looking to strike a deal with West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna, with the SuperLig side in talks with the Hammers.

Ogbonna, 31, is currently playing back-up at the London Stadium with Manuel Pellegrini preferring to partner Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena at centre-back. Winston Reid is also waiting to return from injury.

The former Juventus defender did play against Brighton on Saturday and lasted the entire 90 minutes. Indeed,  a deal may be hard to orchestrate for Fener, with Ogbonna’s contract set to expire in three years.

It is believed that Fener are looking to replace Simon Kjaer – who has moved to Spanish side Sevilla – with Ogbonna and former Tottenham and Liverpool director Damien Comolli is in talks for Ogbonna.

TBR’s view – West Ham must keep Ogbonna

Though he is not a first-team regular under Pellegrini, he is an experienced member of the squad and that is crucial both on and off the pitch. With Diop still young, Ogbonna will be crucial in his development.

Yes, Ogbonna is well into his thirties and is beginning to lose that yard of pace. but the former Italy international is still good enough to start, or to act as first reserve. West Ham must keep him.