West Ham United want to sign Serie A defender Koni de Winter in January
West Ham are keen to sign Belgium defender Koni de Winter in the January transfer window, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported (26 November, page 24) that the defender is being chased by as many as five Premier League clubs including the Hammers and Southampton.
The 20-year has a contract at Juventus until 2026, but he is currently playing at Serie A club Empoli.
The versatile defender, who can also play as a midfielder, wants to stay at Juventus and become a regular for the club in the future. His value has increased after his impressive form for Empoli, and any potential suitor will have to pay £10.3m to secure his signature.
January plans
Winter has made eight appearances in the Series A side so far, and he gives the impression of a cracking young talent.
Adding young talents to the club is always a good sign but it looks really difficult for the Hammers to get him in January. He is already on loan at Empoli, and the player doesn’t appear to be interested in leaving Italy at the moment.
The injury to Kurt Zouma may change West Ham transfer plans in January.
The French defender picked up a knee injury and he has gone under the knife this week. He is out for a long period and there is no time frame given for when he can return.
Nayef Aguerd has been playing for Morocco and unless he picks up another injury, he should be able to play regularly along with Thilo Kehrer at the back.
Moyes could still feel the need to sign one more defender, but whether the Hammers will make any move for the young talent remains to be seen.