OPINION
Along with their improved form since a disastrous start to the season, West Ham have also seen much-improved defensive performances in recent weeks.
Summer signings Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena look to be forming a solid centre-back partnership at the back for Manuel Pellegrini, although full-back remains a concern.
That being said, there is still room for reinforcements at the back if the Hammers want to make some real progress this season, and with the January window approaching, there is a chance for Pellegrini to work some magic.
As reported by the Telegraph, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been told he can leave the club on loan in January before he walks away from the club for free in the summer.
The newspaper claim that the Blues are taking this unusual step to thank Cahill for his six years of service, with the club usually insisting on new deals being signed before loan exits.
This leaves the door wide open for West Ham to swoop for Cahill in the January window and bring in a player who will lend huge experience to their back line.
Cahill’s six years at Chelsea, which saw him win two Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups, give him huge know-how and will help West Ham no end in their quest to become a regular in Europe.
While his initial loan deal will obviously be temporary, the club then have the chance to sign up the 61-cap England international to a permanent deal for free in the summer.
No matter their other options in defence, that is a fantastic deal which is an absolute no-brainer for most clubs in the Premier League, including West Ham.
Pellegrini must now put the wheels in motion to snap Cahill up in January and then lay the groundwork for a free transfer in the summer which would vastly improve his team’s defensive prospects in the coming seasons.
