West Ham are understood to be keen on securing the services of a John Terry-esque defender in the January transfer window.

Given the fact that the Hammers have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this season, Nuno Espirito Santo knows that it is imperative to rope in a new centre-back.

Charlie Cresswell was a West Ham target a few weeks ago, but he is not likely to move to the London Stadium.

Charlie Cresswell will be West Ham’s best defender…😍

How can Nuno convince him to join?

West Ham open Axel Disasi talks

According to L’Equipe, a loan exit looks likely for Axel Disasi in this transfer window.

The Frenchman has not played this season, but has returned to training under new manager Liam Rosenior.

West Ham, given their urgent need to sign a new centre-back, have entered talks to sign the 27-year-old.

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The Hammers informed the Blues of their interest in the last few days and have since been in discussions over a potential move.

There is an international loan limit of seven players for Chelsea, so that could affect where Disasi plays his football for the rest of the season.

This would undoubtedly be a positive for the Hammers.

Axel Disasi has been compared to John Terry

Jamie Carragher was impressed with Disasi back in 2024 when Chelsea and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw.

The Blues put up an impressive performance at the Etihad Stadium and nearly got a win from their travels.

A large part of that was due to the performances of the French centre-back at the heart of Mauricio Pochettino’s defence.

In Carragher’s view, Disasi’s performance was the best he had seen from a central defender all season in the Premier League.

The former Liverpool captain was impressed with how he dealt with Erling Haaland, whom he labelled the best striker in the world.

Disasi’s performance even led to him being named Man of the Match by the Sky Sports pundit.

He said: “I can’t remember a better defensive performance this season, certainly from a central defender.

“Coming away to Manchester City, playing against the best striker in the world.

“He was brilliant. He was the man of the match, I don’t think I said it on air but he was the best player on the pitch.

“That was the type of performance you’d see from centre-backs from about 15-20 years ago.

“Now we see them more build up from the back, stepping in, but this was a bit of a throwback.

“Backs against the wall, throwing yourself in front of things, every time the ball comes in, you feel like a magnet to get your head on it.

“I’m talking about Chelsea, that was a John Terry performance I can’t give any higher praise than that.”