WEST Ham United are poised to make a move for Sunderland's Dan Ballard, but the Black Cats are determined to keep hold of the defender this summer.

The Hammers have identified Ballard as a target as David Moyes prioritises strengthening his backline.

But Ballard - who moved to the Stadium of Light from Arsenal - still has two years left to run on his current deal, with Sunderland having an option to extend his contract by a further year, ensuring the Black Cats are in a position of strength this summer.

The 23-year-old only made 19 Championship appearances last term in an injury-hit campaign but made a big impact in his first year on Wearside and, when fit, established himself as a key member of Tony Mowbray's defence.

Moyes needs to bolster his squad as West Ham prepare for another season of European football after winning the Europa Conference League and, while replacing Declan Rice when his exit is confirmed is the obvious priority, strengthening in defence is also seen as vital at the London Stadium.

The Hammers lost Craig Dawson in January, Thilo Kehrer's future is in doubt and Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd both battled injury issues last season - leaving Moyes potentially in the market for at least one centre-half this summer.

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West Ham are said to have watched Ballard play for Northern Ireland in the March defeat to Finland, and have closely monitored his performances for Sunderland.

Ballard had loan spells with Swindon, Blackpool and Millwall before leaving Arsenal for Sunderland in a permanent deal last summer. Reports from the capital at the time suggested the Gunners included a sell-on fee in the deal.

Alex Neil was boss when Ballard joined Sunderland but was replaced by Tony Mowbray early in the season and the defender flourished under the current head coach.

In a recent interview, Ballard said: "Last year maybe surprised us, as the play-offs wasn't probably in our plans, but the football we played and the talent we have is exciting.

"Hopefully we keep hold of the players we have and add another couple. It's been nice to get some recognition the last few years.

"I feel like a very good Championship player when I'm fit but hopefully we have a great season and can reach the Premier League."

Ballard isn't the only Sunderland player to have attracted Premier League interest this summer, with Jack Clarke wanted by Burnley and Brentford while Anthony Patterson turned heads of top flight clubs with his impressive form for the Black Cats.