Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has been on Hammers radar along with a host of other players for what seems an age, as the clock continues to tick down towards deadline day more and more rumours abound it is the nature of the beast.
The 25 year old is good in the air and a bit of a throw back to central defenders of the past, he is tough tackling and can look after himself in a showdown, he is 6'4" tall and is a warrior rather than a worrier in defence, his performances belie his young age and on the face of it he would be a typical David Moyes signing
In 22 Championship appearances for Forest this season, Worrall has averaged two tackles, two interceptions, 3.7 clearances and one block per game. He has also won an average of 2.4 aerial duels per match. The Daily Mail recently reported that Nottingham Forest value him at around £12 Million, however as they are competing for promotion they are in two minds about selling Worrall.
Interestingly West Ham were reported to be in talks with Forest just the other day with regards to their interest in Hammers U-23 left back Emmanuel Longelo. The youngster has only played one first team game for the Irons which was against Dinamo Zagreb, butduring which he acquitted himself admirably.
21 year old Longelo is a product of the Academy and a regular in the table topping U- 23's in Premier League Division Two, however given how light Hammers are in the left back area, it is somewhat of a surprise that the club would even consider sending him out on loan, but if the loan deal was a sweetener to get hold of Joe Worrall, then it would make much more sense.
Our view is that Forest would be crazy to sell Worrall so deep into the January window, unless they have an alternative in mind, but it should be remembered who they sold to West Ham on the last day of the transfer window way back in 2015? A certain Mikey Antonio, enough said! - LN
