Germany defender Niklas Stark has emerged as a potential centre-back target for West Ham.
The 26 year-old Hertha Berlin mainstay is one of the names on the high-flying Hammers’ radar as he heads towards the final six months of his contract.
The east Londoners were originally planning to review their central defensive options at the end of the season when Stark would be free.
But the serious anterior cruciate knee ligament injury suffered by Angelo Ogbonna could force them into a re-think in January and to bring those plans forward.
Ogbonna’s absence will leave manager David Moyes with Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop as his remaining senior centre-back options.
Stark, who has been capped twice by his country, is a vital performer for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.
But, due to his contract situation, January represents their last chance to demand a fee for Stark if they cannot persuade him to sign an extension.