Report: West Ham eye 26-year-old international in January

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West Ham United are set to pursue a new defender in the January window, with David Moyes keen on German defender, Niklas Stark.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Stark is being eyed by the Hammers after Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out. It’s claimed David Moyes now wants a new central defender, with Ogbonna out long-term.

Stark, 26, is currently with Hertha Berlin and has a wealth of experience from making just shy of 200 appearances in the Bundesliga. He’s a full international, too, having won two caps for Germany in his career.

The Mail claims West Ham could look to bring Stark in during January, with the German yet to sign new terms in Berlin. His contract runs out in the summer, meaning the Hammers could strike a bargain deal.

Stark has been pretty much an ever-present this season. He is also a leader, having captained Hertha on three occasions this term, albeit, he didn’t win any of those games as skipper.

The Hammers have enjoyed a fine start to the season. Europe is once again a possibility, and Moyes is keen to ensure Ogbonna’s injury doesn’t impact proceedings too much.

TBR’s View: Stark a smart January signing for West Ham

It’s not necessarily about bringing in someone to start, but Moyes will know West Ham are just another couple of injuries from disaster. Squad depth, then, is vital for the Hammers.

Niklas Stark would work nicely for them. The defender wouldn’t cost much both in fee and wages, and would surely relish the chance of being a Premier League player.

At 26, he is a good age and should be approaching his prime years. And with the Hammers on the rise under Moyes, it makes sense for him to make the switch.

Ogbonna is, of course, a big loss. But Stark’s signing would at least soften the blow.