West Ham tipped to enter 'bidding war' with Manchester United for Ligue 1 wonderkid

West Ham United are gearing up for what could become a fierce bidding war in the summer transfer window with Manchester United, as they have both been linked with Le Havre centre-half Arouna Sangante.

This is according to a report from Football Insider, who mention that West Ham, as well as Nottingham Forest, made an unsuccessful bid on the final day of the January transfer window. These offers were thought to be in the form of potential loans, which Le Havre had no interest in entertaining. If they are to let Sangante leave the club, they would only allow him to do so on a permanent deal.

They aren't the only clubs to have been linked with a move for Sangante, either. Back in November, teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan were all thought to be 'tracking' the player's progress, but nothing has been heard of any further interest from these elite clubs since.

What would Arouna Sangante bring to West Ham United?

A powerful, yet adaptable defender, Sangante would be a great way for the Hammers to bolster their ranks at the back. West Ham currently have four centre-backs on their books - Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna.

At the age of 35 and with his contract due to expire in the summer, Ogbonna is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. As such, the Irons will need to sign a replacement, lest they suffer a shortage of central defenders next season.

Sangante is just 21 years of age - his best years are still well ahead of him. At 6ft 2 and possessing a powerful frame, he seems to have the necessary physicality to compete in England's top division - he has made 17 Ligue 1 appearances for Le Havre so far this season.