Report: West Ham to target Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida in summer

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Turkish outlet Takvim have claimed West Ham United will consider a move for Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida in the summer window, as David Moyes looks to beef up his defensive options – and it is believed the player wants to move.

Vida, 30, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for quite some time – certainly since he participated in the 2018 World Cup final against France. He is renowned for his physicality and aerial ability, as well as his goalscoring.

Since joining Besiktas in January 2018, he has clocked up 85 appearances and scored eight goals in that time – this season, the 79-time Croatia international has netted four goals in 29 outings. He has a contract until the summer of 2022.

According to Turkish publication Sabah, West Ham made an offer worth £20million for Vida after his participation in the World Cup final but Besiktas wanted more. It remains to be seen how much they want for the defender now.

TBR’s view – A good signing? Or past his best?

Vida is the kind of centre-back that strikes fear into a striker. He will put his body on the line, throw himself into tackles and is very strong in the air. Certainly, he is a nightmare to play against as a striker.

However, Vida turns 31 in April and may have lost a yard of pace from his early days. West Ham must consider whether his experience outweighs that lost speed, and if they can achieve a price that would be deemed acceptable.