West Ham in talks with CJ Egan-Riley as Irons ramp up Burnley hunt

West Ham are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley.

Graham Potter is set to overhaul the squad that he inherited from Julen Lopetegui after a miserable finish to the campaign.

The Hammers need to add top-quality talent in the summer transfer window, given that they currently find themselves in 17th place in the Premier League.

West Ham could sign Egan-Riley for free

The former Manchester City academy product could move to the London Stadium on a free transfer with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

A report from ExWHUEmployee (24 April) claims that Irons have held talks with the 22-year-old ahead of a summer move but Burnley’s promotion could complicate things.

It states that the Hammers are trying to persuade the player, with the Clarets desperate to retain his services.

Potter needs extra quality in the summer

Egan-Riley would be a quality addition as he has been a fixture in Scott Parker’s side, which has conceded just 15 goals in 44 Championship matches.

The Englishman has made 39 appearances in a brilliant individual campaign and could be ready to make the step up to the top-flight.

 

Stats (Championship) Egan-Riley

Matches 39

Ground duels won 165 (61.8%)

Aerial duels won 71 (50%)

Minutes played 3421

Egan-Riley’s stats this season.

He can play as either a right-back or centre-back, which could provide Potter with valuable defensive cover with uncertainty over the future of the likes of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo.

The Irons need reinforcements to their backline as they have conceded 55 goals in 33 league matches, which is the fifth-worst in the division, only above the bottom three and Wolves.

If they secure the Burnley man for free, it would leave them with more leeway to make more moves for quality players, perhaps to complement him in defence.