West Ham United have made a move for Genoa and Belgium defender Koni De Winter, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 23-year-old is a centre-back by trade; he is capable of playing both sides of central defence, both full-back positions, and even in defensive midfield. Versatility seems to be a key thing for Potter in terms of transfer targets this season, so this rumour is very believable.

Koni De Winter has been labelled the ‘new Vincent Kompany’, while this may just be because he is Belgian, he has actually addressed it himself. “All my life I have been told I play like Vincent Kompany,” he told The i Paper earlier this year. “I have this ability to make runs with the ball like he did, I have the same technical side. It’s a really big name, so I one day hope to be able to live up to him.”

Gazzetta reports that Genoa want around £22m and says the defender is ‘highly appreciated by Potter’.Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the defender, but West Ham might have a trump card over their London rivals.

Genoa still want Hammers flop Maxwel Cornet after he impressed during his loan there in the second half of the season. Despite being on the pre-season trip to Germany, the club are willing to sell the Ivorian winger and potentially involve him in a deal for De Winter.