OPINION
West Ham can begin planning for life next season in the Premier League and it’s clear one of the key areas they need to focus on strengthening over the summer is the defence.
The Hammers need to search the transfer market for a couple of powerful defenders and they should take a punt on Stoke City’s Kevin Wimmer.
Paul Lamert’s Stoke have had their relegation from the top flight confirmed and they will have to start preparing for Championship football.
The Telegraph reports that the Potters are willing to sell enforcer Kevin Wimmer after a difficult first season for him at the bet365 Stadium.
It is understood that Stoke are prepared to accept a huge loss on the £18million they paid for him and could sell him for less than half of that.
West Ham should be straight on the phone to try snap up the centre-back on a potential seven-figure sum, as he could turn out to be a brilliant piece of business.
David Moyes’ squad is currently short of top defensive options and they need to reinforce with some no-nonsense players.
There is no doubting that Wimmer struggled in his spell with Stoke, but there is no way the 25-year-old should be written off.
He previously impressed during his 31 appearances for Tottenham and the left-footed defender has the potential to be a real success at the London Stadium if he joined.
The Telegraph reports that a host of top-flight German clubs are eyeing Wimmer’s signature and it is foolish to think his Premier League career is over.
The Austria international could reinvent himself with West Ham and put behind a torrid spell at Stoke where he has been frozen out of the first-team picture.
A large part of his failure with Stoke was being played at left-back at times and he is more effective when placed in the heart of defence where he is more comfortable.
