WEST HAM TRANSFER APOCALYPSE: £17M Bargain Superstar Set for SHOCK January Hijack in CUT-PRICE £8M Steal – Club PANICKING, Fans in MELTDOWN, Deal Could Collapse in 24 HOURS!

West Ham United have endured a miserable start to the season, finding themselves stuck in the relegation zone.

In response, the club’s hierarchy decided to part ways with Graham Potter and appointed Nuno Espirito Santo as the new manager to turn their fortunes around.

The East London side finally earned their first Premier League win of the campaign in the third game week, before securing another long-awaited victory against Newcastle United on Sunday — nearly two months later.

That triumph showed clear signs of improvement, and if the Hammers can maintain this level of performance, their hopes of avoiding relegation will increase significantly.

However, defensive frailties remain a major concern. West Ham have already conceded 21 goals this season — the second-worst record in the league, behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As a result, according to Fichajes, Santo is prioritising defensive reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window, with Óscar Mingueza emerging as a key target.

The Spanish defender, currently at Celta Vigo, has a £17 million release clause in his contract. Nevertheless, West Ham are believed to be preparing an offer in the region of £7 million.

Celta could be tempted to accept the deal, as Mingueza’s contract expires at the end of the season. The club had been trying to tie him down to fresh terms but have so far been unsuccessful.

Mingueza, who joined Celta from Barcelona, remains under the Catalan giants’ watchful eye due to a 50% sell-on clause.

Italian side Atalanta are also reportedly interested and could submit a similar bid, potentially including performance-based add-ons.

A versatile and composed defender, Mingueza can operate both at centre-back and right-back, and he’s also capable of slotting into a right wing-back role.

With pace, technical ability, and confidence in building play from the back, the 26-year-old appears to be entering his prime — and could prove to be a smart addition for West Ham if they can complete the signing this winter.