West Ham United are keen on adding Ryan Manning to their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation.
QPR Defender Ryan Manning a Hammers Target
Defensive Improvements Needed
Hammers manager David Moyes has reportedly highlighted defensive positions as needing improvement in the transfer window.
The London side finished five points above the relegation zone but conceded the second most amount of goals.
According to The Telegraph, Moyes has pin-pointed QPR defender Ryan Manning as a summer target for West Ham.
The 24-year-old left-back was a regular fixture within the R’s squad last season, playing in all but five Championship games.
Manning still has a year left on his contract at Loftus Road; however, he is expected – along with team-mate Eberechi Eze – to move to a lower half Premier League team.
Manning, who has mostly been used as a full-back, can also operate as a midfielder.
Adding Manning would add healthy competition for a starting place; meaning Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku would have more pressure.
Jonjoe Kenny Monitored by Hammers
The Hammers are also eyeing up Everton‘s Jonjoe Kenny. The 23-year-old spent the 2019-20 season on-loan at German side Schalke.
He had a season of regular first-team action under David Wagner in the Bundesliga; however, he could now be keen to ground himself in the Premier League.
Moyes has options to his disposal at right-back – with Ryan Fredericks and Pablo Zabaleta available – but greater quality is needed for West Ham to improve.
The Hammers enjoyed a successful January transfer window, signing Jarrod Bowen from Hull City.
Bowen, 23, scored one goal and added four assists in 13 appearances for the Hammers.
West Ham Interest in Eze
West Ham are also reportedly admirers of Eze, but the Hammers will have to fight off interest from their top-flight rivals for the midfielder.
Along with the Hammers, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have been named as potential suitors.
QPR are reportedly holding out for around £20 million for their prized midfielder.
The 22-year-old scored 14 goals as the R’s finished 13th.
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