West Ham are reported to be making strides in making our next signing this summer.

A potential move for VfB Stuttgart defender Kostas Mavropanos is drawing closer as our Hammers hope to make two signings within the next 72 hours. The Greek defender is said to be keen on the move, according to ExWHUEmployee and Fabrizio Romano.

The former Arsenal defender has impressed in his time in Germany and possess great speed and size, coming in at 6’3ft, he would certainly fit David Moyes’ type of centre half and would be a solid, cheaper alternative to Manchester United’s Harry Maguire. Mavropanos offers West Ham threats from set-pieces and, with the addition of a dead-ball specialist like James Ward-Prowse, could be a very smart signing for the Hammers.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has stated that, whilst there are no agreements between the clubs just yet, the price valuation is said to be between £17m-£21m (converted from Euros), and that talks are good. Mavropanos’ talks with Inter are also off as reported by Plettenberg, so West Ham face little competition unless Inter decide to re-enter the race for the Greek defender.

ExWHUEmployee has stated that talks began for West Ham to sign three players, with the hope to secure two of them within 72 hours. The list of the names on the list include Mavropanos, but also Ajax’s Mohamed Kudus and the re-signing of Jesse Lingard after his contract at Nottingham Forest ended. The deal for Lingard, should it come to fruition, would be expected to be a short-term contract.

Written by Joe Murray