West Ham target Van den Berg handed potential January escape

West Ham reportedly retain a strong interest in signing Köln defender Rav van den Berg ahead of the January transfer window. According to German outlet Express, the 22-year-old Dutch center-back has fallen to fourth choice at Köln, making the Bundesliga club open to considering suitable permanent offers following an unsuccessful approach by the Hammers in the summer.

Reports in Germany question whether a deal would reach rumored fees of €15 million or £13 million, noting that no formal offer or agreed price currently exists. Van den Berg remains under contract until 2030, while West Ham recruitment director Nils Koppen has indicated the club intends to take a selective approach to January recruitment.