West Ham are bolstering their defensive options by signing Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea. The deal for the centre-back, who has not played since last April, will run until the end of the season and does not contain an option or obligation to buy.

Nuno Espírito Santo has been looking to boost his side’s hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League by signing a defender. Disasi was a key target, although he took some convincing to agree to move to the London Stadium. Talks over personal terms dragged on, forcing West Ham to submit a deal sheet to give themselves extra time to ensure the loan went through. They have paid a £1.7m loan fee.

It is understood that a medical for Disasi had to be rescheduled on several occasions on Monday. West Ham’s persistence paid off. Their need for a new centre-back has been heightened by Jean-Clair Todibo earning a three-game ban after getting sent off during last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea. Nuno has little faith in Max Kilman, who has lost his place in the starting lineup. West Ham will hope that Disasi, who was put up for sale by Chelsea after falling out...