A German reporter has delivered a big update on a West Ham move for Konstantinos Mavropanos amid another fee issue but ‘talks are good’.
Having missed out on Harry Maguire, West Ham have been in talks to sign Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart.
Hammers boss David Moyes looks to have been saved from himself – by Tim Steidten – over his determination to bring outcast Maguire to West Ham.
Things may not have worked out for Mavropanos at Arsenal as a 20-year-old. But he has matured into one of the finest, most powerful and skilful centre-backs in the Bundesliga five years on.
The Greek is five years younger than Maguire and considerably cheaper at a reported £15m due to being in the last two years of his contract.
Aerially he is a monster in both boxes and he had the most interceptions in the Bundesliga last season.
On Wednesday it was widely reported that West Ham were privately confident of getting a third signing of the summer transfer window done by Friday.
Well Friday has come and – as yet – that third signing is yet to be confirmed with West Ham also said to be trying to sign Mohammed Kudus and Elye Wahi.
Earlier today we brought you exclusive news from a top source inside West Ham that the deal for Kudus is ‘faltering’ over a difference of just £5m between the Hammers and Ajax.
Now a German reporter has delivered a big update on the West Ham move for Mavropanos amid another fee issue but ‘talks are good’.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed Inter Milan’s move for the Greek defender is off amid the bid from West Ham.
But he claims a fee has still not been agreed between West Ham and Stuttgart with – like Kudus – a £5m gap in valuation the sticking point.
He also reports that some details need to be ironed out between West Ham and Mavropanos.
Plettenberg does, however, insist ‘talks are good’ between the Hammers and the Germans.
“Konstantinos Mavropanos: West Ham & Stuttgart in negotiations about a permanent deal now!” Plettenberg said.
“No agreements between the clubs yet. Price valuation from the parties involved: €20-25m (£17-22m).
“Between West Ham and Mavropanos some more details have to be clarified. But talks are good.
“Inter (Milan) is off.”