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West Ham have reportedly had a bid for Aaron Long rejected by New York Red Bulls. have claimed that the Hammers made a $500,000 loan bid for the American with an end of season option to buy worth $4.5 million.
Long was named as the MLS defender of the year in 2018 and reportedly has a £4m release clause in his contract (). It seems that his current club are not keen on letting him go and David Moyes may have to up his bid if he is desperate to secure his signature this month.
The Hammers have conceded a concerning 38 goals in 23 Premier League games and are languishing perilously close to the relegation places. They sit level on points with Bournemouth and Watford, who occupy two of the three spots below them in the table.
The American defender has made his desire to play in England clear. West Ham were linked with his signature last summer, but there were some work permit issues (). He made his desire to play in England clear, saying: ”Every kid in the USA dreams of playing in the English Premier League. Not many players get the chance, so of course, I would like to play there someday.”
TBR view – Moyes should return with another bid for Long
West Ham are in desperate need of reinforcement at the back. They are shifting too many goals and are in a serious relegation dog fight. The initial bid that has been rejected is minimal, so increasing it should not be a problem.
As much as it is a risk bringing in a player that has not played in England before, the Hammers options are decreasing as the window close comes closer.