West Ham United are 'interested' in a summer move for Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, with the Hammers keen to bolster their defensive options.
That is according to The Guardian, who claim former Black Cats boss David Moyes is a big fan of the Northern Ireland international and has been tracking his progress for a while.
The report claims any move will depend on how West Ham decide to reinvest the major sum they are expected to recoup with the sale of England international midfielder Declan Rice, with both Man City and Arsenal lodging substantial bids for the 24-year-old.
The Hammers are keen to add a couple of additions in central midfield, and are also interested in signing Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes ahead of their Europa League campaign next season.
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But they are also keen for defensive reinforcements, with the futures of England under-21 international Ben Johnson and Germany international Thilo Kehrer said to be unclear.
Moyes wants reliable cover for first choice centre-halves Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, with Angelo Ogbonna only just returning from a long-term knee injury and both Issa Diop and Craig Dawson recently leaving the London Stadium.
As such, they may make a bid for Ballard who impressed during his first season at Sunderland. The Black Cats signed the 23-year-old from Arsenal last summer after previous loan spells with Swindon Town, Blackpool and Millwall.
Ballard only made 19 Championship appearances in a season disrupted by injury but his performances made an immediate impression among Sunderland supporters, with his presence greatly missed during the end-of-season play-offs.
And his performances have seemingly been enough to catch Moyes' eye and the Black Cats can now add Ballard to the list of Sunderland players to have genuine Premier League interest, alongside Anthony Patterson, Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart.
