Hot hours as West Ham United step up last-minute transfer move for Filip Kostic
West Ham have put their foot on the gas in their pursuit of Juventus midfielder Filip Kostic, with the deal reaching hot hours as the window approaches its end, according to Calciomercato.
The Italian news outlet shared on 31 August that Juventus are set to demand £12.8million for the Serbian international, and could be open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy as the deal intensifies.
It is also reported that, due to the complications and technicalities surrounding bringing a non-EU player to the Premier League, it is not an easy task for West Ham to complete this move.
A perfect fit for the Hammers
Kostic would be an excellent fit at the London Stadium, particularly if David Moyes opts to change his formation as has been suggested following the signing of Konstantinos Mavropanos, with Kostic able to play as a winger, or as a wing-back.
The Hammers have been targeting players in both positions throughout the summer and could kill two birds with one stone if they move ahead in their deal to sign the Serbian international before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Kostic has a wicked left foot, able to cause plenty of issues for defences with whipped crosses in, which could make him perfectly suited to Moyes’ physical side in East London, with crosses and direct play a key part of their chance creation.
With both Kostic and James Ward-Prowse on the pitch, West Ham could provide some serious threat from set-pieces and through open play if Michail Antonio enters the season as the Hammers’ first-choice centre-forward.
Antonio’s physical style would suit Kostic perfectly and the two could link up to devastating effect at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, a transfer race has begun after Tim Steidten touched down in London.