Few would take issue with West Ham’s urgent need to bring in another defender.

Having sold Nayef Aguerd in August and just signed a Brighton fringe loanee to replace him, West Ham now find themselves in desperate straits with Kilman and Todibo looking ‘worth about £10 million’ for the pair according to one national newspaper this morning.

Compared with the £75-odd million Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui committed West Ham to shelling out for what have turned out to be, at best, bang-average defenders, that’s a fairly brutal – but accurate-assessment of their current standing.

Yesterday’s dreadful Leeds loss showed Todibo and Kilman’s weaknesses only too well. Mavropanos – who is currently injured – is the only alternative available to Espírito Santo, so the club now have a new ‘top January target‘- according to ESPN Brazil:

“West Ham make Brazilian defender top January target – €30m Hammers deal desire”

Runs their article, which details that the Hammers:

“Have reportedly set their sights on Lille centre-back Alexsandro. The London club plan to reinforce their defensive line as soon as the winter transfer window opens, and the Brazilian has emerged as their top target.

The 26-year-old, valued at over £25.5...