A top French club have just inadvertently uncovered an exciting West Ham target who almost joined on deadline day in January.
West Ham have very much made signing at least two new centre-backs their immediate priority.
Julen Lopetegui was unveiled yesterday and has clearly identified West Ham’s woeful defence as a major focus for the first transfer activity of the summer.
That’s hardly surprising after it shipped 74 goals last season – the club’s worst record ever in the Premier League.
Technical director Tim Steidten has made signing at least two centre-backs a priority for Lopetegui.
But West Ham could bring in a third if Nayef Aguerd is sold.
Lopetegui and Steidten prioritise defensive signings
Thilo Kehrer has joined Monaco, veteran Angelo Ogbonna is set to leave as a free agent and there are also doubts over Kurt Zouma.
West Ham look set to secure the first of their centre-back targets after agreeing a £12.8m deal with Flamengo for Brazil international Fabricio Bruno.
A journalist has claimed the 28-year-old will join West Ham after his final game next week.
The Hammers also want to reunite Lopetegui with Max Kilman and he is reportedly open to the move.
Now the identity of the third central defender Steidten is eyeing may have been revealed.
Because a top French club has just inadvertently uncovered an exciting West Ham target.
Top French club inadvertently uncover West Ham target
By enquiring about signing Le Havre’s brilliant young defensive star Etienne Kinkoue, Marseille have unearthed the fact he almost joined West Ham on deadline day in January.
Not only that but Foot Mercato state West Ham remain interested in 22-year-old Kinkoue as they look for new defenders.
According to the report the Hammers were trying to sign Kinkoue at the 11th hour on the last deadline day only to see a low-ball £4.5m bid turned down.
The reason for the low bid from the Hammers was because Kinkoue is going into the last year of his contract.
It is now claimed Le Havre will be more open to selling him this summer, hence the interest from Marseille – who were warned West Ham are tracking him too.
The former France youth international is a towering presence at 6ft 5in tall and came through the academy at Inter Milan.
Towering defender an exciting prospect
Kinkoue – full name Etienne Youte Kinkoue – is known for his excellent reading of the game and interceptions.
He is also a major threat from set pieces, does not dive rashly into tackles and has a very handy habit of making defensive clearances.
WhoScored rank his passing and tackling as ‘weak’ but he has been a key player for Le Havre as they avoided relegation from Ligue 1.
The report states that it ‘remains to be seen’ whether West Ham submit a new bid amid interest from Marseille.
But it seems he is certainly one to watch when it comes to the Hammers trying to get deals done early for defensive reinforcements.
Interestingly Kinkoue can also play in defensive midfield, making him an extremely versatile player.
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