West Ham interested in signing £30m Chelsea player with Enzo Maresca open to selling

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• EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

West Ham haven’t had the greatest of starts in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, Julen Lopetegui is already under pressure at the London Stadium, and there are a few issues that need addressing in the January transfer window.

West Ham signed two new big-name defenders in the summer in the shape of Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, but the Hammers’ defensive record has been poor.

Kilman was seen as one of the signings of the summer, but, as of yet, things aren’t clicking for the Englishman.

West Ham have looked at other centre-back options, and heading into January, the Hammers are looking at a player from Chelsea.

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West Ham keen on Axel Disasi

TBR Football understands that West Ham hold an interest in Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, with a loan deal potentially on the cards.

TBR Football also understands that West Ham turned down the chance to make Disasi’s Chelsea teammate, Tosin Adarabioyo, an offer in the summer when he left Fulham on a free transfer.

Tosin was linked to Newcastle at the time before making a move to Chelsea.

West Ham weren’t keen on Tosin as a free agent, and, understandably, their stance hasn’t changed after spending half a season barely playing for Chelsea.

West Ham would potentially be able to do a loan deal for Disasi, and Chelsea are open to letting the centre-back leave.

Indeed, Chelsea feel they have adequate cover in defence in the shape of Tosin and Benoit Badiashile, so Disasi is a player who could perhaps depart in January.

Axel Disasi already knows Jean-Clair Todibo

It may be wise for West Ham to go and sign Disasi in January. After all, the defender already knows Jean-Clair Todibo well from international duty.

Curiously, these two have never actually played with each other, but they have been in the same squad on six occasions with France, and France’s record in those games is stellar.

Of course, there’s no saying that these two would make a great partnership, but it doesn’t hurt that they already have a rapport built from their time together with the national team.

Disasi has barely played for Chelsea this season as Enzo Maresca leads the Blues to a potential title challenge, and a new challenge on the other side of London could be just what the doctor ordered.

Todibo and Disasi haven’t quite become France’s first-choice centre-back partnership, but perhaps they could form a strong bond at West Ham if this deal goes ahead.