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Potter is chasing a centre-back | Getty Images
West Ham are said to be chasing a centre-back on the final day of the window.
West Ham are now said to be circling a Premier League centre-back as they look to address a position of need on deadline day. The Hammers are finally up and running for the season after three defeats across league and cup, defeating Nottingham Forest comprehensively away from home on Sunday.
The Iron’s attack looked particularly sharp, and Graham Potter said after the game: “The goals we scored were how we’d hoped we could score. Even the first half, the chance we get [that saw Sels save from Paquetá] is a ball from Malick down the side from Mateus and their relationship will improve and improve. That’s something we talked about. We didn’t do it quite as much as we’d have liked but I think there were signs there.
“As I said, the performances probably haven’t been as bad as it looks like, but the results are so affected by the goals and obviously when you concede the goals that we have, it’s damaging. So today was really pleasing. The players executed really well and they showed their quality and they showed how much they care and how much together they are.”
West Ham will want to take the momentum from that win into the run of games after the international break, but they first have deadline day to negotiate, and Potter already has a position to strengthen. Nayef Aguerd is set to join Olympique Marseille after the two clubs reached an agreement, and Potter will want to replace that depth.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton defender Igor Julio is of particular interest. He reported on X: “EXCL: West Ham exploring move to sign Igor as new centre back from Brighton. No agreement yet but talks took place for Brazilian CB to replace Aguerd, joining OM.”
Igor joined Brighton in 2023 and he has made 37 league appearances since. The 27-year-old joined for a fee of around £14.7million, and it’s likely the Seagulls will want to at least make their money back.
Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi previously praised Igor for his attitude, saying after one game in 2023: “He is not a surprise but he is playing very well. Not only with the ball or without the ball, but in personality and attitude. He is playing very well and I am very happy.”
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