Graham Potter is a big fan of the latest player to be linked with a move to West Ham United.

West Ham remain at serious risk of relegation this season, and if they are to avoid that, there is still a lot og work to be done in the January transfer window.

Taty Castellanos and Pablo have arrived to bolster the Hammers’ forward line, but there are still some obvious deficiencies in other areas of the squad.

Given the fact that West Ham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, bolstering that area will be a priority, amid links to the likes of Bobby Thomas and Charlie Cresswell.

However, the Irons also want new midfield options, with Potter previously having praised the latest player linked with a move to the London Stadium.

West Ham linked with Man City midfielder

West Ham’s midfield options are weak, and with Lucas Paqueta having set his sights on an exit in January, they are only looking as though they will become even weaker.

James Ward-Prowse has been frozen out by Nuno Espirito Santo, leaving the Hammers to choose a midfield from Soungoutou Magassa, Mateus Fernandes, Tomas Soucek and Freddie Potts.

Now, reports from Brazil have claimed that West Ham want to sign Mateo Kovacic to replace Paqueta, who could join Flamengo later this month.

Kovacic has made just two appearances since arriving at Man City in the summer, but he was an influential figure at Chelsea throughout his five years at the club.

Of course, Potter spent time as the manager at Stamford Bridge, where he held the Croatian midfielder in high regard.

Back in 2023, Potter said on Kovacic: “He is someone I have huge respect for as a person. He’s been great with us, very supportive, he plays a role in the team and has been the captain the last few games as well.“

Why the Mateo Kovacic rumours could be a big mistake for West Ham

Kovacic is a quality player, and he would almost certainly become the best midfielder at the London Stadium if he were to make the move.

However, the reason for his lack of involvement at Man City is due to injuries, with the 31-year-old not expected to return until mid-February at the earliest.

That may not impact his ability to pass a medical, but it would impact his ability to influence West Ham’s fight against relegation.

If Paqueta is to leave in January, the Hammers need to replace him with someone who can make an immediate impact, and Kovacic simply doesn’t fit that bill.

Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.