West Ham United are now battling Manchester City for the signature of an "ice-cold" centre-back, having struggled defensively so far this season.
West Ham step up pursuit of new centre-back
It is becoming apparent that one of West Ham's main priorities this month is to bring in a new centre-back, having identified a plethora of targets, including Braga's Bright Arrey-Mbi, Toulouse's Charlie Cresswell and RB Leipzig's El Chadaille Bitshiabu.
Former Hammers defender Matt Upson has been particularly critical of Nuno's current options in defence, saying: "My biggest issue with Mavropanos, Kilman and Todibo is they have no clue about awareness of head movement and marking in the box.
"It doesn’t matter how big and strong you are, they get done with movement all the time and that Burnley game highlights why. The cross before Flemming’s goal took ages to get into the box and Kilman doesn’t make it difficult for him to score."
Max Kilman of West Ham United
The Irons find themselves in serious trouble, currently sitting seven points from safety, and there are some tricky fixtures on the horizon, taking on the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United before the middle of February.
As such, a major rebuild may be needed at the heart of defence, and West Ham have now joined the race for another centre-back, according to a report from Calciomercato IT (via Sport Witness), which credits them with an interest in Bologna's Jhon Lucumi.
There may be major competition for Lucumi's signature, however, with Premier League title-hopefuls Man City also named as potential suitors, alongside Sunderland, and there is a feeling that some other unnamed English clubs could come forward.
A deal could be done for the relatively low fee of €15m (£13m) in the summer transfer window, but the Italian club have ruled out a departure this month, which means the Hammers may only be able to make a move if they avoid relegation.
"Ice-cold" Lucumi could be Kilman upgrade
The Colombian, who is ironically represented by the same agency as Kilman, has displayed a real ability to win back possession over the past year, vastly outperforming the West Ham defender in terms of tackles and interceptions completed per 90.
Average per 90 (past year) Max Kilman Jhon Lucumi
Tackles 1.11 (22nd percentile) 1.96 (85th percentile)
Interceptions 0.63 (7th percentile) 1.22 (65th percentile)
As such, there are clear signs the 27-year-old could be an upgrade on the Englishman, and scout Ben Mattinson has recommended him to the Hammers in the past, describing the Bologna star as "ice-cold" and claiming he would complement Konstantinos Mavropanos.
However, it is vital the Irons get at least one new centre-back through the door this month, having conceded more goals than any other Premier League side this season.
With Lucumi seemingly not going to be available until the summer, at which point it is looking likely the Hammers will be a Championship side, they should move on to alternative targets, of which there is no shortage.