West Ham have held agent talks in a move for brand new centre-back target Logan Costa after the defeat to Wolves.
Julen Lopetegui identified West Ham’s defence as the key area for improvement after taking over from David Moyes.
Is it any wonder given the Hammers conceded a Premier League club record 74 goals last season.
Lopetegui wants to rip up West Ham’s defence bar goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and left-back Emerson Palmieri.
The Hammers spent £40m to reunite Lopetegui with Max Kilman three weeks ago.
But if West Ham thought that would solve many of their issues, the 3-1 pre-season defeat to Wolves has provided some smelling salts.
It showed just why West Ham want to sign another centre-back and a versatile right-back as soon as possible.
West Ham defensive rebuild easier said than done
The problem is that’s proving easier said then done for technical director Tim Steidten.
Moves for a host of centre-back and right-back targets have either collapsed or hit the skids.
And the Hammers have also missed out on a number of targets to other clubs.
A deal fell through for Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno.
West Ham’s move for Kyle Walker-Peters is now off after weeks of negotiations came to nothing.
A deal was agreed for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo was agreed but the player wants to join Juventus.
Jacob Greaves signed for Ipswich from Hull and Lyon’s Jake O’Brien is signing for West Ham’s Premier League rivals Everton.
West Ham’s smokescreen move for Noussair Mazraoui collapsed but a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka now looks on.
Now Steidten’s struggles to get a second centre-back has prompted a change of plan.
West Ham in move for new centre-back target Costa
Because West Ham have held agent talks in a move for new centre-back target Logan Costa.
According to new reports in Italy, the Hammers want Toulouse star Costa after missing out on O’Brien.
Costa has become the French club’s star defender and Toulouse are hoping to beat their record sale by offloading him for more than the £22.5m West Ham paid them for Issa Diop in 2018.
It is claimed an intermediary agent is in talks with West Ham and Toulouse to work on a deal to bring Costa to West Ham.
“Lopetegui wanted O’Brien, but the Irish player went to Everton,” Raffaele Amato reports.
“Bologna also likes Costa, but there are no negotiations now.”
Costa is a former France youth international but has switched his allegiance to Cape Verde.
Bologna can offer Costa Champions League football this season. But the good news for West Ham is that no talks have taken place between his representatives and the Serie A side.
Costa has long been a promising talent known for his versatility.
Steidten has made it clear that West Ham are looking to sign versatile players who can operate in a host of positions and roles. The German says ‘it is important in modern football’.
Costa could be the perfect foil for Kilman at West Ham
So it should be noted that while Costa is primarily a central defender, he is also comfortable playing as a full-back.
His robust physical presence, standing at 6ft 3in would add significant aerial strength to West Ham’s backline alongside Kilman.
The powerful star is known for his tackling ability, positional sense and calmness under pressure.
His ability to read the game would likely complement Kilman’s own skills in that area.
It allows Costa to make crucial interceptions and clearances. Like Kilman he too is adept at playing out from the back.
Costa has also proved a real leader for Toulouse – another area West Ham are weak in.
The 23-year-old’s blend of physicality, technical ability and mental sharpness would make him a shrewd signing for West Ham.
READ ALSO
Everton embarrass West Ham by signing top Steidten target
Ex West Ham coach shares verdict on signing Villa star Duran
Lopetegui and West Ham issue transfer update amid reports of two deals
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
