Word stemming from the media on Sunday afternoon suggests that West Ham United are in advanced negotiations for Olympique Marseille star Duje Caleta-Car.
The winter window to date has of course seen a whole host of central defenders tipped to make the move to the London Stadium.
This comes with David Moyes’ backline having been hit by a number of untimely injury concerns, most notably in the form of Angelo Ogbonna being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
Out-of-favour Liverpool man Nat Phillips had long been viewed as the most likely candidate to take his place at the heart of West Ham’s defence over the 2nd half of the campaign, but, to this point, an agreement with the Anfield hierarchy has not been found.
Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips ‘remains a target for David Moyes’ as West Ham look to bolster their defence https://t.co/iLzuYUVIPA
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 24, 2022
In turn, the Irons transfer team have been forced to shift their attentions elsewhere.
And, as per a mounting number of sources on Sunday afternoon, such efforts look set to bear fruit at any moment.
As per the likes of transfer journalist Ekrem Konur, Get French Football News and Marc Mechenoua of Goal, West Ham are in ‘advanced’ talks over the signing of Marseille star Duje Caleta-Car.
It is understood that a fee of around 19 million euros, plus a further 5 million in potential bonuses, has been agreed upon between the two clubs.
As for Caleta-Car himself, the 20-time capped Croatian international, recognised for his no-nonsense stylings, is set to see his current salary doubled upon landing at the London Stadium:
Talks now very advanced between West Ham & Marseille for Duje Caleta Čar, according to sources contacted by Get French Football News – deal is likely to be €19m + €5m in bonuses, half of which are attainable, other half rely on WHUFC qualifying for Europe. DCC’s salary doubled.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 30, 2022
Diop to Newcastle?
Caleta-Car’s imminent West Ham switch has, in turn, quickly culminated in ensuing suggestions that a current member of David Moyes’ defensive ranks could head in the other direction out the exit door in east London ahead of Monday evening’s winter transfer deadline.
The player in question? Issa Diop.
French stopper Diop has been named as a target for newly-minted Newcastle United across the month to date, with the prospect of a move to Tyneside now potentially back on the cards.
Newcastle United have remained in regular contact with Issa Diop (25), even in the last few days – remains to be seen whether a deal for Duje Caleta Car would make West Ham United more open to a last-minute sale of the Frenchman before tomorrow’s deadline.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 30, 2022
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