West Ham United have enquired about Chelsea defender Axel Disasi | OneFootball

West Ham United have made inquiries about Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to The Times journalist Gary Jacob.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants to bring a new centre-back to the London Stadium club, and the Frenchman is on the radar of the Hammers again.

Disasi rejected a loan move to the East London club during the last summer transfer window and it is unknown whether he is now open to a switch having not played for the Blues this term.

The ‘brilliant’ 27-year-old has largely trained with the Chelsea youth teams having been excluded from their first-team plans for the season.

He is now expected to move on before the end of the winter transfer window and West Ham are eyeing a potential deal.

They have one domestic loan available after signing Igor Julio from Brighton & Hove Albion on a temporary deal in the summer.

However, the Brazilian has started just once since joining the Hammers, making three other cameo appearances and it is unclear if they can cancel the loan.

A move for Disasi could make sense as he is desperate to prove himself after spending the first half of the season ostracised.

He has shown in the past that he has the quality having represented France five times, and he could be open to a West Ham deal if he is guaranteed regular playing opportunities.

The Hammers need to strengthen at both ends of the pitch as they fight to hold on to their Premier League status during the second half of the campaign.

They are 18th in the table after 19 games and will need to improve significantly at the back in the remaining 19 games to stay up having conceded 38 goals – the second-highest so far.