SHOCKING INSIDER BOMBSHELL: West Ham in DESPERATE Full-Throttle Panic Mode to Snatch ELITE ‘World-Class’ Centre-Back After Sealing Yet ANOTHER Mega Deal – Relegation Nightmare About to END?! You Won’t Believe Who’s Coming!

Former West Ham United and Manchester United senior scout Mick Brown has claimed that Nuno Espírito Santo is urgently seeking defensive reinforcements, as concerns continue to mount over West Ham’s fragile back line.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown—who remains well connected at his former clubs—revealed that strengthening the defence has now become a pressing priority for the Hammers.

One of the biggest worries surrounds the performances of Max Kilman, who has come in for heavy criticism from supporters.

Some fans have been so disappointed with his displays that they have questioned whether he should feature for the club again.

These frustrations reflect wider defensive issues, with West Ham yet to record a single clean sheet since Nuno’s appointment.

Alarmingly, the team has conceded three goals in three of their last five matches, underlining how vulnerable they have been at the back.

Although the club initially focused on adding firepower in attack, the arrivals of Valentin “Taty” Castellanos and Pablo Felipe have eased those concerns.

With those signings completed, West Ham are now free to redirect their attention and resources towards defensive improvements, particularly at centre-back.

Brown previously told Football Insider back in November that West Ham were already exploring options to strengthen centrally in defence, identifying the position as a key area to address in the January transfer window.

According to the experienced scout, those plans have now been fast-tracked following the opening of the window, as the scale of the problem has become impossible to ignore.

“Their current centre-back options are nowhere near the level required,” Brown explained.

Drawing on his extensive recruitment background—having spent more than a decade at Manchester United during one of their most successful eras—he highlighted that defensive concerns at West Ham are not new.

Even during his time around the club until 2024, there were persistent issues.

“When we played a back three, you had players like Kurt Zouma, but injuries were always a problem,” Brown said. “There were also doubts surrounding Nayef Aguerd.

It was widely accepted that centre-halves were needed, and work was being done behind the scenes to identify suitable replacements.”

However, Brown expressed confusion over subsequent recruitment decisions. “Suddenly, they brought in Mavropanos, and then a year later Max Kilman arrived.

I honestly don’t understand how anyone can look at those two, based on their performances this season, and say they are good enough to start week in, week out in the Premier League.”

He did not hold back in his assessment, describing the situation as a “shambles” and questioning who sanctioned the deals.

“It’s become painfully obvious that they are not at the required level,” he added. “That’s why the issue has come around again.

The manager is desperate for new centre-backs, and it has to be the top priority this January if West Ham want any realistic chance of staying in the league.”

Brown stressed that simply adding numbers will not be enough. “They don’t just need new players—they need top-quality defenders who will genuinely strengthen the back line. That’s the aim now.”

Meanwhile, pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo continues to intensify.

Football Insider revealed on 6 January that the Portuguese coach could be sacked if West Ham suffer defeat against Nottingham Forest.

While the club’s hierarchy are still hoping to avoid making another managerial change, the strain on Nuno’s position is approaching breaking point.

West Ham currently sit 18th in the Premier League, four points from safety. A loss against Forest would leave them seven points adrift.

Their recent form offers little encouragement: a 3-0 defeat to Wolves last time out extended a nine-game winless run.

Overall, West Ham have managed just two wins from 15 matches under Nuno, leaving serious doubts over whether he can turn the season around.