Latest developments
- Graham Potter wants to make Ben Chilwell his first West Ham United signing.
- Potter managed Chilwell in his time at Chelsea.
- The full-back has played zero Premier League minutes this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Source info minimal
New West Ham manager Graham Potter wants his former Chelsea player Ben Chilwell to be his first signing at the London Stadium.
This news is an exclusive from footballtransfers.com, who have not disclosed their source of information, yet the link between the pair makes us sit up and take notice.
Value (4/5): Hammers want a loan
Frozen out by Enzo Maresca, under whom he has made a solitary EFL Cup appearance, Chilwell is up for sale, though West Ham are intent on taking him on loan.
If they let him go temporarily, Chelsea will want the Hammers to cover the vast majority, if not all, of the England international's wages.
Suitability (4/5): Vast PL experience
He may not have added to his total this season and has been blighted by injuries, but 169 appearances in the Premier League, plus his desire to get his career back on track, make the former Leicester man an ideal candidate to galvanise West Ham's season.
Known by the manager, the left-back can also play further forward, making him malleable for whatever formation Potter elects.
Upgrade? (4/5): New LB required
Assuming the 28-year-old hasn't completely lost his way, he should stand a good chance of making the left-back spot his own for the Claret & Blues.
Emerson is out with injury, while the long-serving Aaron Creswell has just turned 35 and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Logic (4.5/5): Sharpness the only issue
Chilwell needs to be playing every week, and the chance to end a nightmare few months by joining another Premier League club with a manager who trusts him is the best way to do that.
The Hammers have the chance to bring in a player who not long ago was considered one of the league's best full-backs, but his injury record and lack of match sharpness should be considered.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
Neither Chilwell nor Potter would need much convincing, and a new left-back would be desirable at the London Stadium, all of which means this rumour should be taken seriously.
