According to reports from the Mirror, West Ham United have joined Premier League rivals Everton, Stoke City and Sunderland in the race to sign versatile Dynamo Kiev defender Domagoj Vida this summer.
The 27-year-old’s contract with the Ukrainian giants runs out next year, and all four clubs are said to be keen on the Croatia international as they look to strengthen their backlines at the end of the current season. However, it could soon turn into a three-horse race if the Black Cats are relegated to the Championship – as is looking likely.
Despite bringing in Jose Fonte from Southampton during the January transfer window, Slaven Bilic is keen to add to his defence following a disappointing season, with the Hammers have too easily given up goals on many occasions.
Here are THREE reasons West Ham must beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of Vida…
His qualities
Having been a regular for Dynamo Kiev in the last five seasons and picked up almost 50 caps for Croatia, the Hammers know that they would be getting a defender that would add some quality to their backline.
The Irons have conceded over 50 goals already this season, and Bilic will know that isn’t good enough if the club are to push on.
The arrival of Domagoj would certainly go some way to stemming that particular tide and with his contract running down, he may not be too expensive either.
His versatility
The 27-year-old is able to play at centre-back as well as either full-back position, and that is a trait that will make him an attractive proposition for Bilic.
The Croatian boss has had a long-term issue at right-back, with Michail Antonio filling in there on a number of occasions after the likes of Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa have failed to impress.
Bilic will know that this finally needs to be the summer where he finds a long-term solution to the problem, and Vida could be the man to do just that.
His respect for Bilic
Bilic gave Vida his international debut for Croatia in 2010 when he was the manager of the national team, and that is something that is likely to mean that the 27-year-old has a real respect for the 48-year-old – and vice-versa.
Following some poor performances from his stars in what has been a disappointing campaign for the Irons, Bilic needs players that he know will be behind him if he keeps his job at the end of the season – Vida certainly would be if he made the move to the London Stadium.
