Fresh twist emerges in last-gasp West Ham pursuit of Le Havre defender Etienne Kinkoue at London Stadium
West Ham are not actively pursuing Le Harve defender Etienne Kinkoue before Thursday’s transfer deadline contrary to reports, according to Ryan Taylor.
The Daily Mirror journalist shared on his personal X account (30 January) that the talented 22-year-old defender is not an active target for the East Londoners as they work to bring in a new attacker before the 1 February deadline.
The Sun reported on 30 January that West Ham United want to sign Le Havre central defender before the transfer window closes after David Ornstein shared on 24 January that the club were making enquiries for a mystery “versatile” defender on loan.
However, the club’s focus is on wingers and movement is expected within in the next 48 hours.
Taylor posted: “Etienne Kinkoue is not an active target at the moment. Focus is on wingers & movement expected.”
Other priorities
There is no doubt that Kinkoue is a hot prospect right now and one which ideally the Hammers should be targeting given their centre-back options are in need of some fresh legs and youth.
Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd are consistently being linked with an exit away from the club which means they won’t be around for much longer, while Angelo Ogbonna is ageing now and is on a downward trajectory.
Kinkoue certainly represents a smart deal for the Hammers and one which they should be working on but right now signing a defender isn’t the priority in East London, but bringing in a winger.
Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals are expected to leave the club before Thursday which means the Hammers need to move quickly to seal their replacements or else they could be very short on options ahead of a gruelling fixture list over the next month both domestically and in Europe.
That’s the basket David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten should be placing all their eggs right now but if there is still room to do a deal for Kinkoue and probably bring him in for next season, then the opportunity is there.
In other West Ham news, Pablo Fornals could confirm permanent exit in ‘next few hours’, personal terms a ‘formality’.
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