West Ham transfer News: Hammers lead the chase for Palermo defender Achraf Lazaar
Hammers are closing in on Achraf Lazaar as they look for defensive reinforcements
WEST HAM are chasing Palermo defender Achraf Lazaar as they look for more defensive options in a season that will see them play in Europe.
In a summer transfer window where prices are at a premium for Premier League clubs, Palermo value their defender at just £2.5million.
Achraf Lazaar is being chased by West Ham
The bargain buy for Slaven Bilic will give him much needed cover in what could be a season with as many as 60 games if they were to reach at least the quarter finals of every competition.
Moroccan Lazaar was a target for Monaco and at the age of 24 represents a player who is young with the potential to cement a place in the first eleven if he impresses.
West Ham's opening defeat away to Chelsea last night was courtesy of a late goal from Diego Costa so a defensive option is high on Bilic's shopping list.
West Ham will be in action this Thursday as they take on Romanian side FC Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League.
Astra knocked West Ham out of the Europa League third qualifying round last year 4-3 on aggregate the Hammers lost 2-1 in the away fixture after a 2-2 draw at Upton Park.
The Irons know of the importance to bring European nights to their new home the London Stadium as they aim to push on and challenge at the higher end of the table this season.
Andre Ayew is also due to have a scan today after he limped off last night in the defeat to Chelsea, the Hammers next game in the Premier League will be their first league match at the new stadium as they take on Bournemouth this Sunday.