West Ham are preparing for a vital January window as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to repair a squad with problems all over the pitch.
A new striker is top of the agenda — Callum Wilson is struggling, Niclas Füllkrug is heading for the exit, and the lack of goals is threatening the club’s Premier League survival.
Equally urgent is the need for defensive reinforcements. Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo have failed to convince as a partnership, and with the Hammers conceding at one of the highest rates in the division, new centre-backs are essential if they’re to avoid relegation.
But another issue has quietly become just as pressing: the goalkeeper position.
West Ham attempted to revamp that area in the summer with a move for Mads Hermansen, but that pursuit ultimately fell apart. Now, Nuno is ready to return to the market — and a new target has emerged.
West Ham Enquire About Christos Mandas
West Ham have reportedly made an approach for Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas ahead of the January transfer window, according to La Lazio Siamo Noi.
The Greece international has asked to leave the Serie A side in search of regular minutes, opening the door for a potential move to London.
Nuno is pushing for a new goalkeeper after neither Alphonse Areola nor Hermansen convinced this season.
Hermansen, in particular, has struggled — conceding nearly three goals per game in his limited Premier League outings — forcing Nuno to revert to Areola despite his own inconsistencies.
Mandas, who has kept four clean sheets in nine league matches for Lazio, has impressed whenever called upon, but remains second choice behind Ivan Provedel. With the 24-year-old wanting a clearer path to first-team football, West Ham see an opportunity to stabilise a problem position.
They face competition, though, with Wolves, Bournemouth, Fiorentina and Getafe also keeping tabs. West Ham are considering a loan with an option to buy, while Lazio are believed to prefer a permanent sale — meaning negotiations may not be straightforward.
Still, for a team desperate for reliability between the posts, Mandas could offer exactly the reset Nuno needs.
