West Ham have made Olympiakos aware of how much they will pay for Kostas Fortounis. According to The Daily Star, West Ham are willing to pay up to £15m for Fortounis.
The Hammers still see Isaac Hayden as their top choice. But Fortounis is an alternative target, despite playing in a different position to Hayden.
While the Newcastle United midfielder is a defensive midfielder, Fortounis is an attack-minded central midfielder who can also play on the wing.
West Ham have opened talks to sign Fortounis. But they will not pay over the odds for the attacking midfielder, who is out of contract next summer. The Irons have told Olympiakos that £15m will be their limit.
Who is Kostas Fortounis?
Fortounis has been the standout performer for Olympiakos in recent years. Last season, he scored 17 goals in all competitions, as well as providing 16 assists.
This took his overall tally to 67 goals and 60 assists in just under 200 games. The 42-cap Greece international is thriving in the Greek Super League after moving from German side Kaiserslautern in 2014.
Fortounis has Champions League experience under his belt and could follow Arthur Masuaku’s path from Olympiakos to West Ham.
The 26-year-old is now in the prime of his career and could provide a solution in central midfield. But Hayden, who helps the Hammers’ homegrown quota, remains the top target after West Ham missed out on Andre Gomes.
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