English Premier League outfit, West Ham United have identified Daniel Opare as a key transfer target to strengthen their defense.

Opare who is ‘technically’ still an Augsburg player was exiled by the club after he was photographed having a meeting with Schalke officials over suspicion of trying to sort out his next destination and leave on a free transfer.

The Hammers are believed to be preparing a swoop for the out-of-favor Ghanaian in the summer.

West Ham consider Opare as a long term replacement for the ageing Pablo Zabaleta.

The 26 year old will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season with a host of other top European clubs already jostling for his signature.

A move will benefit Opare who knows that he must start playing soon if he is to be considered for national team assignments in the near future.