West Ham United consider move for 'perfect' Tottenham star amid Serie A interest

West Ham United and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo have a major task on their hands if the Hammers are to be dragged away from Premier League relegation trouble this season.

The Hammers have not been in the Championship since 2012 but are staring a return to the second tier in the face after spending virtually the entirety of this campaign in and around the relegation zone. While a stoppage-time 2-1 victory away at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last time meant the gap to safety is just five points, that result may have said just as much about Spurs’ frailties in the league under Thomas Frank than anything else.

The Hammers have already spent £45million on striker duo Pablo and Taty Castellanos this month in an attempt to save their season, with the latter scoring the winner against QPR in the FA Cup on his debut. Further additions will be hoped for between now and the end of the window.

West Ham links with Spurs defender Radu Dragusin emerge

West Ham are ready to do business with local rivals Spurs and secure the signing of defender Radu Dragusin this month, as per reports by Hammers insider ExWHUEmployee.

Dragusin recently returned from an ACL injury but has made just one brief substitute appearance in the seven matches for which he has been available, appearing to be out of favour under Frank at present.

The centre-back position is one which West Ham are thought to be prioritising this month amidst interest in Toulouse and England Under-21 star Charlie Cresswell, while Dragusin is reported to be one of several centre-back targets being considered in east London as he seeks an exit from Spurs.

The 23-year-old Romania international, who was previously described as “perfect” for the Premier League by Danny Murphy, is thought to be keen for a fresh start and has seen strong Serie A links with Roma in recent weeks. A short move across London may also be an option, with Spurs reportedly already lining up a replacement in the shape of Mika Marmol from Las Palmas.

Nuno speaks ahead of Sunderland clash at London Stadium

Speaking to the press on Thursday, West Ham manager boss Nuno Espirito Santo expressed what he expects from his players if they are to get a result at home to Sunderland on Saturday.

“We need energy from the beginning, and to compete and fight for every ball,” he said. “Of course it has been a good week, because when you perform and win it helps everything. It comes at the right moment, a week later [than the win at Spurs]. We will need the fans, from the first minute.

“Always we have knocks to assess, but we still have tomorrow [Friday] to prepare the game, and then we will decide the squad for Saturday. [Lucas Paqueta] isn’t going to be in the squad for this match. Everyone knows my opinion about Lucas, but we have to deal with his situation day by day, and try to find a solution.

“Callum [Wilson] gave us the winning goal last week in a match that’s so important, especially for our fans. It was beautiful to see, and we were all happy to take the three points. As I’ve said before, Callum is an option, and we know what he can give us. He’s working and he’s an important player.”