Raoul Bellanova transfer update at West Ham United after Aston Villa move
West Ham United risk losing out on the transfer of Torino wing-back Raoul Bellanova after Aston Villa made the first moves to sign him, according to TuttoSport.
The Italian publication reported that West Ham are among several Premier League clubs interested in the Azzurri international’s signature, but it is Villa who have made the first move by sending scouts to watch the 24-year-old play against Milan on 18 May.
Reports by both Tuttosport and Calciomercato state that Bellanova, who could represent his country at EURO 2024, is a clear target for Villa at right-back, but with West Ham also set to be in that market this summer, the Irons could also take steps to bring him to the London Stadium.
Will West Ham United sign Raoul Bellanova?
West Ham, more so than Aston Villa, need to be shopping around for right-backs this summer, largely because as things stand, they could be without a single first-team player in that position at the start of next season.
Ben Johnson is out of contract and Vladimir Coufal has been linked with an exit, with no inclination that either will be staying put in East London, while Konstantinos Mavropanos emerged has become a first-choice pick at centre-back and is unlikely to be moved onto the right edge of defence.
That leaves a huge hole for reportedly incoming head coach Julen Lopetegui to fill, and while right-back will be one of the six positions he is targeting upon his arrival, the Spaniard could do much worse than signing and giving a starting berth to Bellanova.
Although primarily used as a wing-back at Torino this season, it remains to be seen what formation Lopetegui will play at West Ham, and the Irons have lined up in a 3-4-2-1 at times under departing manager David Moyes.
If the Hammers can beat Champions League-bound Villa to Bellanova’s signature, it would represent a significant coup, but they must act fast if they’re to prevent the Italian from lining up in a different claret and blue jersey in the Premier League next season.
In other West Ham news, the club have agreed a last-ditch contract extension with one first-team star.
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