West Ham could be in the market for a new right-back after losing Ryan Fredericks to injury.
The Hammers signed the defender on a four-year deal from Fulham in the summer, but Fredericks suffered a shin injury during the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield. Manuel Pellegrini revealed the defender would miss the majority of 2018 depending on his rehabilitation. His absence leaves Pablo Zabaleta as the only senior right-back in the squad.
The Argentine is approaching the twilight of his career and only has a few months left on his contract at the club. Therefore, Pellegrini must begin a search for a long-term replacement in the January transfer window.
The perfect signing would be Liverpool defender – Nathaniel Clyne. Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the former England international was once considered a key player on Merseyside after joining from Southampton on the back of some impressive performances. However, injuries in recent seasons allowed local lad Trent Alexander-Arnold to stake a claim for a starting role. Despite returning to full fitness, Jurgen Klopp has opted to use Joe Gomez at right-back when choosing to rest the youngster, casting serious doubt over Clyne’s future at Anfield.
Clyne remains one of the best right-backs in the division and is still only 27-years-old meaning he has plenty of years left at the highest level. The former Crystal Palace man will be desperate to get first-team football under his belt again in an attempt to regain his place in the England setup. Clyne is a no-nonsense defender who would add some stability to the Hammers back four – he is exactly what Pellegrini needs.
Potentially available for a decent price – this move should be a no-brainer.
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West Ham fans, thoughts?