West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini and Sporting Director Mario Husillos have come up with two names on their summer wishlist.
According to Football.London, West Ham’s main two defender targets this summer will be Guillermo Maripan and Leonardo Koutris.
It is no secret that the Hammers are hoping to shore things up at the back. Having shipped 54 goals in 36 league games, it is clear that new defenders will be brought in.
And given the club’s limited budget, Maripan and Koutris are top of the list. Both players are expected to cost around £10m, making this a potential £20m double swoop.
Who is Guillermo Maripan?
Deportivo Alaves centre-back Maripan is one of the two targets. The Chile international could team up with his fellow countryman Pellegrini at West Ham.
With Maripan at the back, Alaves have enjoyed a successful season. They are eighth and have an outside chance of finishing in the top six in La Liga.
Maripan has been a central part of Alaves’ plans. The 24-year-old is currently out injured but he has played 23 games this season, ranking among the top performing defenders in the division.
Who is Leonardo Koutris?
West Ham could also look to sign Olympiacos left-back Koutris. The Greece international, who was born in Brazil, has played over 50 games for the Greek giants.
And with Champions League experience under his belt, the Brazilian-born full-back could be ready to step up and play Premier League football.
The 23-year-old could follow Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos to West Ham. And he could even push Masuaku out of the club, depending on whether Pellegrini opts to keep him or Aaron Cresswell.
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