Shane Duffy (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, West Ham are interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion ace Shane Duffy ahead of the next season.
Duffy, 28, rose through Everton’s youth ranks but spent most of his career earlier on loan with clubs like Scunthorpe United and Yeovil Town before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2014. Two years later, he was signed by the Seagulls and he immediately established himself as a key member of the squad.
He was instrumental in helping Brighton get promoted to the top-flight and played a key role for them in the Premier League until last season.
However, this season he fell down the pecking order and the report suggests that he could be on his way out of the club due to the arrival Joel Veltman from Dutch side Ajax. Thus, West Ham should make a move for the Irishman to bolster their defensive options.
One of the major reasons for West Ham’s poor campaign is the lack of stability at the back. The Hammers conceded 62 goals in 38 games this season, which is poor according to their standards. The partnership of Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop hasn’t worked well for Moyes’ side.
Fabian Balbuena is the only other centre-back available at the manager’s disposal but the Paraguayan hasn’t been a regular starter. He has been unconvincing, leaving the manager to select the other two in the heart of the defence. Thus, a centre-back in the summer could pay off well for the Hammers.
In that regard, signing Duffy seems to be a sensible move. The Ireland international may not have played enough this season but was in top form until last season. He also won the Irish Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018 and could be a key player for the Hammers next term if he is able to replicate the same form he showed previously.
His inclusion would definitely provide Moyes’ side with some much-needed depth, whilst also bringing healthy competition. He has made over 300 career appearances and his experience could come in handy for the London outfit.
At 28, Duffy has a few more years left to play at a high level. With limited options at the back, West Ham are in dire need of centre-backs and the Irish international could be a sensible addition, providing them with quality at the back. Thus, they should take advantage of his situation at Brighton and lure him to East London at the earliest.
