Reported David Moyes target Borna Sosa is on the move and it could be good news for West Ham in pursuit of another versatile star.
West Ham have been linked with a host of left-backs all summer long from David Raum to Angelino and Jakob Ismail.
One name that has been particularly heavily mentioned with a move to the London Stadium is Croatian left-back Borna Sosa of Stuttgart.
According to a recent report from Croatian publication Index, the Hammers were in pole position to sign Sosa ahead of Manchester City.
The links excited West Ham fans as the 24-year-old Croatia international is a top-class left-back and can also operate as a left wing-back.
Sosa would be a serious upgrade on Aaron Cresswell and is incredibly quick.
In fact, he recently told the Bundesliga’s official website that he has been the fastest player in every single team he has ever played for.
David Moyes target Borna Sosa on the move and it could good news for West Ham in pursuit of another versatile star
West Ham moved to sign 28-year-old left back Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea in a £15m deal yesterday.
Given Aaron Cresswell turns 33 this season, Moyes may well intend to bring in another, younger fullback to compete with Emerson long term.
That won’t be the Croatian the Hammers have been eyeing, though, it seems.
Moyes target Sosa is on the move and it could still be good news for West Ham in pursuit of another versatile star.
According to the likes of BuliNews, Sosa has a verbal agreement over an imminent move to Serie A side Atalanta.
And that could mean another longstanding Moyes target, Jakob Maehle, is available.
The swashbuckling and versatile Danish fullback has been linked with West Ham for some time.
And earlier this summer Tutto Atalanta claimed West Ham wanted to sign Maehle, who can play at both left and right fullback.
Moyes has made it clear he wants versatile players who can play a number of positions.
Maehle is a right-back by trade but plays as a left-back or left wingback for club side Atalanta and Denmark. So he certainly fits that criteria.
At first glance, it seems as though West Ham are well-stocked in the right-back department at the London Stadium.
Moyes has Vladimir Coufal, Ben Johnson and even young Harrison Ashby to call upon.
Look closer though and it could be argued that Moyes does need to strengthen his right-back ranks.
Coufal has just turned 30 and looks a shadow of the player West Ham signed in 2020.
Johnson seems to be better when playing at left-back and divides opinion among fans having struggled to hold down a regular place in the side under Moyes.
Meanwhile, Ashby, talented as he undoubtedly is, is totally unproven at the very highest level.
So signing a modern player like Maehle, 25, who can offer versatility and competition on both sides, would make total sense.
Whether Moyes is prioritising that area with the Hammers targeting another two or three signings remains to be seen.
But Sosa’s arrival will likely see Maehle made available as Atalanta need the money. So West Ham may not get a better chance to sign him.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
Moyes said to be ‘optimistic’ over £17m signing before Villa.
West Ham and Newcastle face new threat in tussle for 110-goal striker.
Forest beat West Ham to another signing only to bizarrely loan him out.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
