Transfer Talk: Five centre-backs West Ham should target

West Ham's struggles in defence this season mean the signing of a new centre-back in the summer is a priority.

David Moyes' side have shipped 49 goals in the Premier League — the most of any team stationed in the top 12.

Captain Kurt Zouma is seemingly past his best, Nayef Aguerd's form has dropped off a cliff following an impressive debut season and Angelo Ogbonna will be 36 by the time his current deal runs out in June.

With Konstantinos Mavropanos looking like the only dependable performer, we take a look at five potential transfer options for the Hammers ahead of the second leg of their Europa League last-16 clash with Freiburg this evening.

Lloyd Kelly

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly could be the perfect cost-effective option for West Ham as his current deal on the South Coast expires at the end of the season.

The ex-Cherries skipper, 25, is a dependable Premier League performer having chalked up 45 appearances in the top flight.

He also has 10 England Under-21s caps under his belt and is capable of filling in at left-back if required.

Jarrad Branthwaite

If West Ham can secure European football for next season through the Premier League or Europa League, a move for Everton's rising star Jarrad Branthwaite could be in the making.

While the 21-year-old has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, a switch to the London Stadium would likely give him far better access to regular first-team football.

And if the Toffees are relegated to the Championship, the Hammers may be able to snap up one of England's hottest prospects for a bargain price.

Jacob Greaves

Hull starlet Jacob Greaves has quickly become one of the Championship's most sought-after players.

The left-footed centre-back, 23, has two goals and four assists in the second tier this season and his 6ft 3in frame makes him a huge threat from set-pieces — a department in which West Ham have thrived for years.

And the Hammers have enjoyed previous success when signing players from Hull in the form of leading scorer Jarrod Bowen, so a second punt may be even more tempting.

Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah attracted plenty of interest in the January window and with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, he should be on West Ham's summer radar.

The 28-year-old has been a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen's incredible campaign, scoring four goals in 22 Bundesliga appearances and helping Xabi Alonso's unbeaten side amass a 10-point lead at the top of the table.

A physically imposing centre-back who is also excellent on the ball, the Germany international has all the tools required to be a success at the heart of a Premier League defence.

Tosin Adarabioyo

Tosin Adarabioyo's contract expires at the end of the season and he is yet to agree a new deal with Fulham — so West Ham should be laying foundations for a move.

The 26-year-old has excelled in his 14 Premier League appearances this term, ranking second in the division for headed clearances per 90 minutes and 12th for overall clearances completed per 90.

As well as being an aerial monster standing at 6ft 5in, Adarabioyo reads the game superbly and excels at playing long passes out from the back — a perfect skill for the Hammers' counter-attacking style.