'Enquiry made' - West Ham favourites to beat Everton to former £45m man in marquee transfer

West Ham could look to beat Everton to sign Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer in what would be a marquee signing for the club.

The Hammers are preparing for a new era under Julen Lopetegui and a defensive overhaul has been front and centre of the Spaniard's summer plans. The club has already forked out £40 million to bring in Max Kilman from Wolves in a statement signing and could now move the Red Devils defender in a bid to rejuvenate their back four.

Football Insider reports that West Ham will move for Wan-Bissaka as a replacement for Ben Johnson, after the defender left the club as a free agent this summer to join Premier League rivals Ipswich Town. Lopetegui does have the experienced Vladimir Coufal at his disposal but the Czech international is 31 years old and has just 12 months left on his contract.

At 26 years old, Wan-Bissaka would provide Lopetegui with a more youthful option and could be available for as little as £17 million. The player, who has made 172 Premier League appearances, would be a marquee signing for The Hammers and surely slot straight into the starting XI.

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Manchester United splurged £45 million on the defender when buying him from Crystal Palace in 2019 but could now allow the player to leave as Erik ten Hag conducts his own clearout. Wan-Bissaka could be deemed surplus to requirements having only made 22 top flight appearances last season due to injury problems.

It is expected that a return to the capital would be a tempting option for the former Eagles man, who has just 12 months left on his contract at Old Trafford. Wan-Bissaka has not entered contract renewal discussions with Manchester United, which could make it the last summer the club could make any of that £45 million back on the player.