Report: West Ham offered MLS defender Aaron Long

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West Ham United have reportedly been given the chance to snap up MLS defender Aaron Long this summer.

According to Sky Sports, the Irons can sign the New York Red Bulls ace, who has a £4 million release clause in his contract.

The USA international was named MLS Defender of the Year for 2018, and has made 11 appearances so far in the new MLS season. He also just featured for his country at the Gold Cup, starting five out of six games.

Fiorentina and Lyon also want Long, who has been with his current club since 2016.

TBR’s view

With West Ham having splashed out £45 million on Sebastien Haller (BBC Sport) and £24 million on Pablo Fornals (BBC Sport), perhaps Manuel Pellegrini is turning his attention towards potential bargain deals with only a few weeks remaining until the transfer window closes.

The club spent over £100 million last summer, and one has to wonder if the club have the cash to do any more £20 million+ transfers.

Long could be shrewd business, with Winston Reid having failed to make an appearance last term due to injury.

The New Zealand international made his comeback recently against SCR Altach, but one has to wonder how much his body will be able to withstand in 2019/20 at the age of 31 and having played so little football recently.