With Declan Rice set to leave West Ham this summer, Moyes is looking to spend the money wisely on several areas of the squad.
The West Ham boss wants to add at least two midfielders to replace the outgoing club captain and is also looking for defensive reinforcements.
And Sunderland’s Ballard has emerged as a target for the east London club in the ongoing transfer window.
He impressed at the Stadium of Light last season and Sunderland missed his presence in the playoff semi-finals when he was out injured.
West Ham’s interest in the centre-back is driven by Moyes’ desire to add more British-based young talent to his squad.
The centre-back left Arsenal for Sunderland last season but Moyes has seen enough in him to try and bring him back to London this year.
The West Ham manager’s conscious effort to bring in homegrown young talent is also driving his interest in Bristol City’s Alex Scott.
Sunderland paid £2m to sign Ballard last summer and will make a significant profit if they sell him a year on.
