By Saikat Mandal

5th Aug, 2022 | 6:10pm

West Ham United determined to sign Frankfurt defender Filip Kostic

West Ham are not giving up on the chase to sign Filip Kostic this summer, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

The pink newspaper wrote on their printed edition (5 August, page 8), that the Hammers are still in the hunt to sign the 29-year-old left-wing back.

In fact, they are determined to block the way for Juventus to sign him, although it’s clear how they would do that.

The report adds that Kostic, who is not willing to give up Champions League football, is now ready to say farewell to his Frankfurt teammates.

His agent, Alessandro Lucci, is working hard to finalise his exit within the next week. As of now, Juventus are leading the way for his signature.

Unlikely

While the Hammers retain a strong interest in the player it seems highly unlikely that they will make any further attempt to sign him.

West Ham are reportedly close to signing Maxwel Cornet from Burnley, and that serves the purpose, although adding a quality left-back makes sense.

Cornet is a utility player who can operate as a left-sided midfielder, as a left-back and also as a striker if needed.

David Moyes could still be looking at someone who can challenge Aaron Cresswell for regular starting place. Cornet can be used as a reliable option anywhere across the pitch.

Cresswell has declined over time, and although he is still a reliable option, an upgrade is needed in the left-back position.

The major stumbling block in the deal for Kostic is that the player wants to play in the Champions League, something the Hammers cannot provide at the moment.

They can obviously offer a better pay package, but it seems it’s really really difficult for the Hammers to sign him.