West Ham is rumored to be considering a bid for Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, who is a former Arsenal youth player, writes the WHZ.
The Guardian reports that David Moyes has been monitoring Ballard for several months and holds a favorable opinion of the 23-year-old.
Ballard joined Arsenal at the age of eight but did not make a senior appearance for the club before departing in 2022. As he has not yet proven himself at a level higher than the Championship, West Ham may view signing him as a gamble they are reluctant to take.
Furthermore, Sunderland’s demand for a substantial transfer fee will likely be influenced by Ballard’s recent season with them, in which the team competed strongly for promotion.
Instead of acquiring players from Sunderland, West Ham possesses the financial resources to explore options in Europe’s top five leagues. Pursuing signings like Nayef Aguerd or revisiting the possibility of acquiring Nikola Milenkovic may be more fitting for the club’s needs.
While Ballard shows promise, it would be wise for West Ham to closely observe his performances before making a significant financial investment in the 23-year-old. Additionally, considering Ballard’s versatility to play in midfield, signing him as a backup option for multiple positions could be a logical move for the club.