Now he will be reunited with Edson Alvarez at the London Stadium after they played together at Club America.

West Ham are not done there, though.

The Irons told Hammers News they want to ‘crack on’ with the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Man United.

West Ham have also been trying to sign another central defender. But a move for Jean-Clair Todibo was snubbed by the player, who wants to join Juventus.

It has been clear for all to see in pre-season that a dominant new centre-back is needed urgently.

Now the Hammers have launched an ambitious bid to bring one in.

Because West Ham have made an offer for a second World Cup winner and he’ll announce his decision this week.

Hammers target Hummels will announce his decision this week

It was reported by the likes of HITC back in June that West Ham had held talks with the agent of German World Cup winner Mats Hummels about signing him on a free transfer this summer.

Hummels has left Dortmund after playing alongside Fullkrug in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Now Hammers News understands German technical director Tim Steidten has made it clear to Hummels that offer remains on the table as he prepares to announce a decision on his future this week.

“A contract offer was made and it has been made clear it remains on the table,” a top agent source close to the West Ham board has told Hammers News.

“He will be making a decision at some point this week.”

That information is also being reported in Italy, Bologna are interested too.

West Ham also allegedly face competition from Premier League rivals Brighton.

Hummels, who turns 36 next season, has sparked speculation he will move to MLS, though, having reportedly turned down offers from Ajax, Benfica, Lille, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi.

While signing Hummels would clearly be a short-term fix for the Hammers, the club could certainly do a lot worse.

Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd were put up for sale by Julen Lopetegui the moment he arrived.

Nothing has changed on that score and their performances in pre-season have underlined why.

Aguerd was woeful in the 3-1 defeat to Palace with new £40m man Max Kilman struggling too.

It was stated by Wolves fans upon Kilman’s departure that he needs to play alongside an experienced, dominant partner – such as ex Hammers hero Craig Dawson.

So Hummels, despite his advancing years, very much fits the bill. For the short-term at least.

West Ham have the London factor in their favour as well as the fact his fellow German and former Dortmund teammate Fullkrug is joining.

Not to mention the German connection with Steidten, who is in charge of all football matters.

Signing Hummels, who has kept himself extraordinarily fit for his age, may buy West Ham and Steidten some time to sign a new, younger centre-back for the long-term.

It would also put West Ham in a much better bargaining position when selling Zouma and Aguerd.