Championship side West Ham United are set to closely monitor Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez during their upcoming preseason encounter as the club considers a potential move for the highly-rated centre-back this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Hammers are keen to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as they target an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation last season.
Fernandez has emerged as one of the names on the club's shortlist after an impressive debut season in Scotland.
The Nigerian international joined Rangers from Peterborough United and quickly established himself as a key figure in the Gers' backline.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign, making 33 appearances across all competitions and contributing six goals, highlighting his threat from set-piece situations as well as his defensive qualities.
Fernandez is expected to be in action when Rangers take on West Ham in their final preseason fixture before the Scottish Premiership season gets underway against Dundee United on July 31.
The friendly could provide West Ham's recruitment team with an ideal opportunity to assess the defender at close quarters.
West Ham are interested in strengthening their defence and view the upcoming encounter as a chance to further evaluate Fernandez's suitability for the squad.
The Hammers are expected to use their preseason schedule to assess several transfer targets as preparations continue for life in the Championship.
A move for the Rangers defender would represent a major statement of intent from the Hammers as they look to assemble a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
Adeyemi Adewale
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