West Ham consider transfer for Bristol City star who is out of contract next year

West Ham are said to hold an interest in Bristol City defender Cam Pring, according to reports.

The Daily Mail reports that the Hammers are eyeing up a new left-back, and are looking at Pring along with Feyerenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman. West Ham are close to selling Aaron Cresswell to Wolves, and Pring could be a good option, given he’s English, and only 26-years-old.

Pring is under contract at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2024 after signing a two-year extension in January 2022. The Robins also have an option to extend that by a further year, something which they did recently with Zak Vyner.

He has cemented himself as a regular in the first-team, playing mainly at left-back, but also covering at centre-half when needed. Pring made 37 appearances last season, getting six assists, and one goal.

The Cheltenham-born left-back joined Bristol City in January 2016, but took years to cement his place in the senior squad. He had eight loan spells before making his Championship debut for City at 23-years-old under Nigel Pearson.

Pring is under competition to keep hold of his first-team spot this year after the arrival of Haydon Roberts. Both players are vying for a starting spot against Preston, and despite Pring’s good performances last year, his place in the side is not guaranteed.

Speaking at the end of June, Pearson said: “I don’t care whether Pringy’s had a great season. Pringy had a great season but if Haydon is better than him in pre-season, I don’t have any qualms of picking a player whose limited experience over a player whose got a good experience if they are in better nick or we feel they’re better.

“Cam Pring is another good example of benefitting from playing mainly in one position, although we did at times have to use him again as a centre-back, and he did that willingly and admirably too.

“It is important to have some versatility within the squad but you’ve got to be careful with how you can’t abuse it, and that’s the key thing

The Mail’s report also briefly touched upon their interest in Alex Scott in regards to initial talks, but with a £25m asking price, there is little movement on West Ham’s behalf.

It is reported that they are making a push to sign Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana which could highlight that they are moving on to other targets, leaving Wolves and AFC Bournemouth to battle it out for the 19-year-old’s signature.