Few would take issue with [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-hams-aguerd-subject-of-surprising-premier-league-interest/) urgent need to bring in another defender.
Having sold Nayef Aguerd in August and just signed a Brighton fringe loanee to replace him, West Ham now find themselves in desperate straits with Kilman and Todibo looking ‘worth about £10 million’ for the pair according to one national newspaper this morning.
Compared with the £75-odd million Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui committed West Ham to shelling out for what have turned out to be, at best, bang-average defenders, that’s a fairly brutal – but accurate-assessment of their current standing.
Yesterday’s dreadful Leeds loss showed Todibo and Kilman’s weaknesses only too well. Mavropanos – who is currently injured – is the only alternative available to Espírito Santo, so the club now have a new ‘_top January target_‘- according to [ESPN Brazil:](https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/mercado-da-bola/artigo/_/id/15855939/alexsandro-e-alvo-prioritario-west-ham-reforcar-defesa-janeiro)
_“West Ham make Brazilian defender top January target – €30m Hammers deal desire”_
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Runs their article, which details that the Hammers:
“H_ave reportedly set their sights on Lille centre-back **Alexsandro.** The London club plan to reinforce their defensive line as soon as the winter transfer window opens, and the Brazilian has emerged as their top target._
_The 26-year-old, valued at over £25.5 million (€30m) by Lille, is open to a move but still uncertain about the timing.”_
Attracting a Brazilian international to West Ham in January to take part in a relegation dogfight won’t be easy: Currently on a reported £40k a week they’ll need to significantly increase his salary deal to have any chance of turning his head. As an alternative to Charlie Cresswell and one with huge experience, Alexsandro, as a two-footed, left or right-sided centre-back may well suit the brief far better and slot straight into West Ham’s frail back line.