Irony as Kalidou Koulibaly move to Man City could benefit West Ham’s pursuit of John Stones

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Manchester City defender John Stones is said to be David Moyes’s prime target at West Ham United this summer.

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The likes of The Sun claim Moyes wants a reunion with Stones at West Ham having signed him at Everton.

Man City have already signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth.

West Ham target Stones on his way out of City

That in itself boosted West Ham’s hopes of getting Stones. Although that would most probably on an initial loan with an option to buy at this stage.

Now City are said to be closing in on Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly – who was being sensationally linked with a move to West Ham earlier this year.

In January the Daily Express and Football Italia carried ‘world exclusive’ reports that West Ham were serious about launching an audacious bid for Senegal star Koulibaly.

As expected the speculation proved unfounded. And West Ham signed Tomas Soucek, Darren Randolph and Jarrod Bowen instead.

Irony as Koulibaly move could clear Stones path for Hammers

Considered one of the top three defenders in world football, West Ham merely being linked with Koulibaly was outlandish.

Indeed given the fact Moyes has been told he must sell to buy this summer (Claret & Hugh), looking back on such rumours the reports were almost comical.

Ironically, though, Man City have reportedly agreed a deal for the centre back (Si) that could push Stones into West Ham’s open arms.

Can Moyes raises funds to get his man?

Stones would end up being sixth choice centre-back.

And at West Ham he would be guaranteed game time, potentially as part of a three-man central defence.

Moyes told The Evening Standard he is prioritising defenders in the summer window.

City will clearly be willing to let Stones leave.

But West Ham’s lack of finances may prove a sticking point.

That is unless the Hammers can offload some players. And they need to do so quickly if they want to beat others to a player of the 26-year-old England international’s class.

To that end West Ham are trying to offload the likes of Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Jordan Hugill to add to the £5m raised through the sale of Albian Ajeti to Celtic.

Another one bites the dust for West Ham as Moyes market misery continues