West Ham United have been heavily linked with a move for Cardiff City defender Dylan Lawlor this summer. 

Lawlor was one of the best central defenders in League One last season as they romped to automatic promotion in second place behind a brilliant Lincoln City side.

He is the definition of a modern day central defender, he’s not the normal style of player you’d expect to sign from League One. He’s so calm on the ball, he never looks flustered in possession, and is an excellent passer. He can pass through a press so calmly both short and long, and he’s also capable of carrying the ball out of defence.

He is right footed and prefers to play on the right side of central defence. However, because he’s so good on the ball and so comfortable at defending, he is more than capable of playing on the left.

His performances for Cardiff have led to him being linked with some huge clubs, even Bayern Munich are said to hold an interest, so this would be some coup for the Hammers.

The latest from ExWHUEmployee today suggests we’re very interested, but it’s a difficult deal to get done.  He said: “Cardiff are also reluctant to sell Lawlor but West Ham will continue their attempts to get it over the line.”

Previous reports said there were promising talks, so I wouldn’t rule out signing him, we just might have to pay slightly over the odds for the Welshman.

If we can get the deal over the line it would be fantastic. Mavropanos, Kilman, Lawlor with one more signing, ideally a starter on the left side, would be a brilliant roster of central defenders to have at the club in the Championship.

Lawlor would be a perfect addition for West Ham; young, homegrown, and EFL proven. Three things we need to be looking at in a lot of our transfer targets this summer.