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West Ham are reportedly eyeing a deal for tough tackling Chilean international Gary Medel, and it might just be Manuel Pellegrini’s smartest Hammers’ coup yet.
What’s the story?
According to Sky Sports, West Ham are interested in Medel, and club officials will travel to Turkey in the coming days to discuss a deal for the Besiktas ace.
Medel, who has Premier League experience with Cardiff City, is viewed as a replacement for the injured Carlos Sanchez.
The 31 year-old can play as a defensive midfielder or centre back, and has racked up 114 caps for Chile.
Why do they need him?
The Hammers are on their best run of Premier League form since February 2014, winning four games in a row and scoring 11 goals in those four games.
While Pellegrini’s side are now up to ninth in the table, they have conceded 25 goals in 17 games, and the lack of a proper defensive midfielder is the major reason why.
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Jack Wilshere is expected to miss the majority of the season while Sanchez is out long-term with a knee injury, and an injury to one of Fabian Balbuena or Issa Diop would leave things light as the back as well.
Medel can play both positions, and his experience, versatility and downright fearlessness will be a huge addition to the Hammers’ squad.
What is he good at?
Medel has earned a reputation for mean tackling, and it’s a reputation he is most certainly living up to this season, averaging 2.7 tackles per game for Besiktas, with seven yellow cards already this campaign.
He is also a very underrated passer, creating 0.5 chances per game and completing 89 per cent of his overall passes.
The 31 year-old can play multiple positions, has Premier League, European and International experience, and will add another leader to a West Ham squad that is growing in skill and confidence.
So, West Ham fans, would you back a move for Medel? Let us know your thought by voting in the poll below…
