West Ham Transfers: 6 Left-Backs the Hammers Could Realistically Target This Summer

West Ham's Premier League future depends on two things - firstly, the season actually resuming, and secondly, a sharp upturn in form.

The Hammers' last three performances have offered plenty of promise, with undeserved narrow defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal sandwiching a comprehensive win over Southampton at the London Stadium.

But there's no masking the fact that defensively, West Ham are vulnerable. Too many sloppy goals, too many sloppy mistakes and too many lapses in concentration have dug a rather deep relegation sized hole.

So providing the Irons climb out of it, it's time to rebuild the defence and identity some candidates to come into the club. Here, 90min look at six options to provide competition at left back.

​Ruben Vinagre

Part of the ever expanding Portuguese contingent at ​Wolves, English audiences haven't been given much of an opportunity to cast their eye over Ruben Vinagre.

Instead, Nuno Espirito Santo has preferred to deploy the more experienced Jonny Otto, formerly of Atletico Madrid. But what we have seen of Vinagre has been promising, as he's shown himself to be more than capable in defence, as well as offering a significant threat going forward.

A wing-back by trade, he's shown plenty of composure and wisdom beyond his 20 years, even attracting the interest of runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool. But with Andy Robertson sewn up as the Reds' undisputed number one left-back, Vinagre would only play second fiddle there - whereas at West Ham, he'd likely become a regular starter.

There's been no suggestion that Wolves want to sell, but money talks, right?

Potential Price: £25m - £30m

Jamal Lewis

Norwich have played some exciting, expansive football this season - but unfortunately for Daniel Farke and his side, the Canaries look like they'll be heading back to the Championship (if the season avoids cancellation).

If they do drop a division, however, they'll need to brace themselves for a surge of interest in some of their young British talent - namely defensive trio Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis.

In this case, it's Lewis, capped 12 times already by Northern Ireland, who may tickle West Ham's fancy. The 22-year-old is approaching 100 career domestic appearances already and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

His pace, agility and reading of the game are three of his strongest suits, while he's not too shabby in the air either. Relegation could see him available for a reduced fee.

Potential Price: £15m - £20m

Omar Richards

West Ham manager David Moyes has previously alluded to his desire to develop young talent, as well as reward Championship players who could be good enough to step up.

So with those considerations in mind, young Reading star Omar Richards may be a possible avenue for the ​Hammers' scouting team to explore. The 22-year-old has only established himself as a real first-team regular this season, but his performances have seen him recognised with an England Under-21 cap.

The Royals won't be coming up this season, so a step up in level with West Ham would likely appeal to Richards.

Potential Price: £7m - £12m

Danny Rose

Because of his Tottenham connections, Danny Rose is unlikely to be a popular choice among West Ham's fanbase.

But there's no disputing that on his day, Rose can be one of the most effective full backs in the Premier League. Currently, he's at Newcastle on loan after falling out of favour with José Mourinho and a permanent move - either to Tyneside or somewhere else - looks like an absolute certainty this summer.

Rose isn't the best defender when it comes to positioning, but his tenacity and generally high work rate often get him out of difficult situations. He's also got a fair amount of pace about him still as he heads towards his 30th birthday this summer.

Price wise, only a year and a smidge remains on his Tottenham deal - so he wouldn't burst the bank.

Potential Price: £12m - £18m

Alex Moreno

One player who's name has been linked with a myriad of ​Premier League sides is Real Betis defender Alex Moreno.

Prior to this season, Moreno was relatively unknown, but was picked up by Betis at the beginning of the term after former club Rayo Vallecano were relegated from La Liga. Since arriving, his stock has risen - significantly if we believe what we read - and speculation is mounting that a move nearing the £40m mark could take place, to the Hammers, Everton or Crystal Palace.

In terms of what he'd add, a great deal of attacking prowess is the answer - and perhaps not so much stability, which is what's really required.

Predicted Price: £36m - £40m

Jonas Hector

Ahhhhh stability, efficiency and reliability you say? (You didn't, but I'll add it in now..)

Why not head over to Germany and take a good, long look at FC Köln icon Jonas Hector, who is currently festering in 2.Bundesliga.

Granted, that's probably not the place you want to be looking in when you're considering fresh and invigorating options, but Hector is no slouch. In fact, for a good four years, he was first choice in Germany's national team - and has 43 international caps to his name.

But what he really is loyal, after sticking with FC Köln throughout his career to date. Maybe now is the time to pursue a defender who can actually defend?

Potential Price: £15m - £20m