January transfer Window is here and every team is rushing to fix the mess experienced in their squad. According to reports by Sky Sports News, West Ham are interested in signing Gary Medel from Besiktas. Why are they after the move?
Manuel Pellegrini eyes versatile veteran Medel as he aims to tighten things up defensively at West Ham.
The Hammers have conceded 25 goals in 17 games and Pellegrini wants to see an improvement.
West Ham delegates are set to fly out to Turkey to commence negotiations with Besiktas.
Although no formal offer has yet been made, Pellegrini is very keen to tie this deal up early as the January window approaches.
The 31-year-old is an experienced player in Europe and he has spent the last year-and-a-half at Besiktas.
Prior to that, Medel played for Inter Milan and Sevilla but represented Cardiff City in the Premier League in between those spells.
The 114-cap Chile international played 34 times in the Premier League for the Bluebirds but could not prevent relegation.
Medel is renowned for his aggressive, no-nonsense approach to the game, earning the nickname “Pitbull” for his tenacity on the pitch.
Medel can play as a central defender or as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder.
At centre-back, he would be competing with impressive summer signings Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena, while the holding midfield role is held by Declan Rice.
But with Winston Reid and Carlos Sanchez on the long-term injury list, West Ham are light in both areas.
What Medel offers is strength in depth, a tough-tackling approach and vital experience for the Hammers.