West Ham United may have found the ideal replacement for club stalwart Aaron Cresswell but will have to fend off competition from a host of European clubs.
Estadio Deportivo reports that the Hammers are interested in Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda. He could be a decent addition, especially when it’ll cost nothing to get a deal over the line.
Miranda is rapidly approaching the end of his four-year spell at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
There is no word of a contract extension on the horizon, paving the way for a summer exit despite being a key part of Betis’ fight to finish the season in the Europa League places.
Miranda has no shortage of suitors from across the continent including Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, AC Milan, Porto and Benfica.
Miranda could be a decent replacement for Cresswell
Cresswell has been a loyal servant to the Hammers for almost a decade, but he’s one of several players who could bid farewell to the Europa League quarter-finalists this summer.
The 34-year-old has made 346 appearances since joining from Ipswich Town in 2014. He has contributed to West Ham’s success over the years with 11 goals and 37 assists.
However, he’s firmly expected to part ways with the club this summer.
With just a goal and an assist in 21 La Liga appearances this season, it’s easy to write off the Spaniard.
He’ll be kicking himself for not improving his tally after missing four big chances, but his attacking numbers only conceal his impressive defensive contributions.
He has been a key figure in the Betis backline this season. He has helped to keep five clean sheets and averages nearly a key pass per game.
Miranda is near-impossible to get past in 1v1 duels, recording an astonishing 63% success rate in ground battles. But his aerial prowess can improve, given he has won just 45% of such duels.
The sheer number and calibre of clubs sniffing around the Spaniard speaks volumes about his ability.
