West Ham should consider rivalling Crystal Palace for Stepanenko

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West Ham United could do with beefing up their midfield in January, and Crystal Palace’s latest transfer target could be an ideal signing.

As reported by The Sun, the Eagles are looking at a potential move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Taras Stepanenko, after missing out on an £8 million deal for him in the summer.

Supposedly, Shakhtar would be willing to sell the 54-cap Ukraine international in January, and West Ham should be waiting in the wings.

Manuel Pellegrini is arguably a little light in terms of defensive midfield options, with Declan Rice his only true option for the position, with Mark Noble and Jack Wilshere better utilised further forward.

Carlos Sanchez has endured a nightmare time at the London Stadium and showed against Oxford United in the Carabao Cup that he isn’t really good enough – his age certainly means he won’t be sticking around much longer.

TBR’s view

Stepanenko would be a top replacement for Sanchez.

The 30-year-old, who has won seven league titles with Shakhtar, is something of a hard man and the Hammers do not currently have any real bite in midfield.

Stepanenko is extremely physical, which suggests him as being a good fit for the Premier League.

His love for picking up yellow cards would make him a slight risk, but he would be an inexpensive purchase and the Irons really do need someone of his type going forwards.