West Ham are confident of signing Swansea defender Alfie Mawson in a £20million deal, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim the Premier League club are working on a deal to land the Englishman, 24, as they look to reinforce their back line ahead of next season.
The Times report that manager Manuel Pellegrini has given the green light to West Ham to pursue the capture of Mawson in a deal the club believe is “close” for £20million, even though Swansea want a bigger fee.
OPINION
Signing Mawson would be a really smart move from West Ham, who are looking to rebuild the defence that was the equal-worst in the Premier League last season in terms of goals conceded. The London-born ace has improved massively since joining Swansea from Barnsley in the last two years to put him on the verge of a full England call-up. He was the Welsh club’s outstanding performer as they slipped out of the Premier League in May, with his consistency, reliability and durability making him a huge favourite among supporters. There has been speculation Swansea have slapped a £40million asking price on their prize asset, but that is a fantasy number now they have been relegated and need to drastically cut costs. West Ham are badly in need of a defensive leader following the exit of James Collins and due to the injury problems suffered by Winston Reid. Mawson, who stands at 6ft 2in (source: Transfermarkt) is the player they are crying out for.
