West Ham shortlist Coventry centre-back Bobby Thomas amongst centre-back targets

West Ham United have added extremely rated Coventry Metropolis centre-back Bobby Thomas to their checklist of centre-back targets this January, in line with The Each day Mail.

Signed from Burnley in the summertime of 2023 after mortgage spells at Bristol Rovers and Barnsley, the 24-year-old has rapidly established himself within the ongoing marketing campaign.

Thomas has been an vital determine in Frank Lampard’s Midlands facet, making 22 appearances for the Championship leaders. He has been absent for simply 4 video games throughout Coventry’s spectacular pursuit of Premier League promotion, the place they now maintain a six-point cushion with 20 matches remaining, though his momentum was lately halted by a crimson card within the 3–2 defeat at Birmingham Metropolis.

In keeping with the Each day Mail, West Ham have added the Englishman to their shortlist of centre-back targets for the continued winter switch window.

The 6ft 1in centre-back’s performances on the West Midlands have been intently watched by scouts from West Ham in addition to different Premier League golf equipment, together with Everton, the place he had a short stint, in line with the report.

The Each day Mail provides that the East Londoners additionally maintain an curiosity in Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles and former Chelsea academy star Shiny Arrey-Mbi, at present on the books of Sporting Braga, whereas they nonetheless stay eager on Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell, who Wolfsburg additionally needs.

Ball-playing centre-back

West Ham have invested closely of their defence throughout current home windows. But, lots of these signings, particularly big-money arrivals like Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, haven’t lived as much as expectations, with 43 objectives conceded, prompting the Hammers to seek for different dependable choices.

Thomas is a modern-day ball-playing centre-back who fits a possession-based system or a crew that utilises lots of counters and transitions throughout video games.

The Englishman has made 1505 touches and recorded 951 accomplished passes at an 81.4% success fee whereas additionally taking 56 correct lengthy balls enjoying from centre-back. Extra impressively, his excellent passing means from deep has created 20 possibilities for Coventry this season, in line with Fotmob.

Within the defensive section, he has received 129 floor duels and 85 aerial duels whereas additionally making 86 recoveries and 18 interceptions, traits that may show pivotal to stabilising Nuno’s backline if he joins.

Nevertheless, with one 12 months left on his contract, it’ll be fascinating to see if Coventry will settle for presents round his £8m Transfermarkt valuation or threat shedding him without spending a dime subsequent season.