- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
West Ham United are now in talks to sign a defender who has interest from a host of top European clubs given his contract is set to expire.
Julen Lopetegui seemingly has a big rebuild on his hands this summer, not happy with the size or quality of the squad left behind by David Moyes.
Tim Steidten will be the man tasked with executing those plans, aiming to push West Ham back into European reckoning.
And in a summer in which TBR has already revealed that both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd could be sold, there will perhaps be a lot of moving pieces for Steidten to manage.
That being said, TBR Football now understands that West Ham are continuing to hold talks with intermediaries of Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda.
The former Barcelona defender is set to leave Betis at the end of this month, when his contract will expire.
As expected, several European sides are keen on a move, including Portuguese giants FC Porto, who have also held talks.
West Ham in talks to sign Real Betis’ Juan Miranada who will soon be a free agent
TBR understands that West Ham have been watching the 24-year-old for months, who is set to be one of Spain’s over-aged players at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Miranda made 32 appearances for Betis last season, who will be loath to lose their ‘outstanding’ talent.
But Betis’ loss could be West Ham’s gain, who need better depth at left-back given Aaron Cresswell is now 34-years-old.
Emerson Palmieiri has proved his credentials as a starter in the Premier League, but any injury to the Italian would currently spell problems for Lopetegui.
And it’s also important to note that Emerson has been linked with a move away from West Ham this summer.
Therefore a move for Miranda, who would be something of a coup on a free transfer, would be a good insurance policy in both regards.
TBR understands that Aston Villa had held talks with Miranda before opting to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.
Wolverhampton Wanderers also like the Spaniard and see him as a replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri, should he depart this summer.
READ MORE: West Ham could bypass Premier League rules to strike £100m off-pitch deal