West Ham could be set to cash in on defender Ryan Fredericks in the summer to sanction a move for Norwich City right-back Max Aarons, according to Claret and Hugh.

It has been reported by the Independent that West Ham have joined the group of clubs that are interested in making a potential summer move for Aarons. That comes following the right-back’s excellent performances this term that have seen him help to make Norwich by far the best team in the Championship and seal an immediate return to the top-flight.

Recent reports from Football Insider have suggested that the Canaries could be open to allowing Aarons to leave the club, despite them being promoted back to the Premier League. That report suggested that Norwich would be set to demand a fee of around £30 million for the defender amid interest from Everton.

Claret and Hugh believe that West Ham could now be set to cash in on Fredericks, who has largely been their back-up right-back this season and has also struggled with various injury issues since he joined the club from Fulham. That would then enable them to free up funds and also room in their squad to make a successful move for Aarons.

The verdict

You can see why West Ham would be interested in Aarons, although they do already have a quality right-back in the shape of Vladimír Coufal. The Norwich defender would be a signing that would mean that the Czech Republic international has major competition for his place and it would show the Hammers’ ambition to build on a successful campaign.

Aarons would have to work very hard to make it into their side, but he would back himself to do that and given his age it would be anticipated that he would be the Hammers’ long-term right-back of choice. Fredericks does not seem to be high up in David Moyes’ pecking order at the moment and so it could be the right time for him to move on.

The defender has shown glimpses of his quality and was at times a bright spark in the side when the Hammers were struggling. However, he has been too injury prone and is not at the level needed if they are to consistently challenge for the European places.