Premier League outfit West Ham United are focussing their centre-back efforts on Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson, according to Alan Nixon of the Sun.
The Hammers had previously been looking to poach Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles for a fee in the region of £25 million, but have switched their efforts to Swansea’s Alfie Mawson after the Magpies laughed off the London club’s interest.
Mawson established himself as a solid centre-half during his time at Barnsley during the 2015/16 season, but it was with Swansea in the Premier League where Mawson really made a name for himself as one of England’s most exciting young defenders.
Starting all 38 Premier League matches, Mawson was a shining light in an average Swansea side, and despite failing to help the Swans avoid the drop into the Championship, came out with plenty of credit.
Now the 24-year-old is being headhunted by several Premier League clubs and will hope to follow in the footsteps of Harry Maguire, who starred for Hull as they dropped into the Championship last season, before moving to Leicester and establishing himself as a Foxes and England regular.
Journalist Alan Nixon has claimed the Hammers are the favourites to land the former Barnsley and Brentford defender on a permanent deal and with Swansea willing to sell, this deal looks like it could have legs.
West Ham have enjoyed a stellar start to their summer transfer window, landing talented French defender Issa Diop and Borussia Dortmund’s powerful winger Andriy Iarmolenko. Add Mawson to the ranks and the Hammers will be looking up heading into next season.
