West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo an admirer of Alverca defender Bastien Meupiyou | OneFootball

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo is an admirer of Alverca defender Bastien Meupiyou, according to The Athletic.

West Ham are set to lose key defenders this summer, and the Portuguese wants quality replacements at London Stadium.

Jean-Clair Todibo has vowed never to play for the Hammers boss again, while Arsenal are one of those keen on Konstantinos Mavropanos.

West Ham are desperate to secure an instant return to the Premier League from the Championship and will need quality signings to do so.

The 6ft 3in Meupiyou is attracting interest from several high-profile clubs after last season’s outstanding campaign in the Portuguese top-flight.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has been nominated for this year’s Golden Boy award and a move to England appeals to him.

Meupiyou will be a guaranteed starter for West Ham given his huge potential, and the chance to play in the Premier League next year will appeal to him.

The former Nantes star spent 2024-25 with Wolverhampton Wanderers but never got to make a first-team appearance.

Meupiyou has played for France at under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels, and the Hammers target dreams of representing his country at senior level.

A move to England could boost his chances, but it is uncertain if the Hammers have plans to make a concrete move for him this summer.

They have started pre-season preparations but a major squad overhaul is on the cards.

Nuno’s team will not start taking shape until much later in the summer transfer window having been linked with plenty of outgoing and incoming transfers so far.

Meupiyou could prove to be a solid addition to the West Ham squad, but beating suitors to his services could be tricky.