RB Salzburg chief reacts as West Ham United-linked Oumar Solet released from training
RB Salzburg sporting director Bernhard Seonbuchner has spoken out amid reports that defender Oumar Solet is of interest to West Ham United.
Salzburger Nachrichten reported on 31 July that Solet is one of three players to have been “released” from training in recent days for contract negotiations, with the Hammers named by the outlet as an interested party in Solet.
Although stating that RB Salzburg had “nothing major” to discuss on the transfer front, Seonbuchner did acknowledge that there are a few reports circulating around the 24-year-old centre-back’s future.
He said: “Yes, there are a few rumours that we will not comment on.
“There are certainly one or two things going on, but there is currently nothing major to report in terms of transfers.”
West Ham can continue spending spree with Oumar Solet transfer
Almost a month after Julen Lopetegui secured his first-choice centre-back signing in the form of his ex-Wolves captain Max Kilman, the Spaniard could move to bring in Solet and complete the set.
The incoming transfer reports had dried up in East London after Kilman’s £40million arrival, but with three quick-fire signings all close to completion having come out of nowhere, Solet could be next.
The seemingly impending arrivals of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka [TEAMtalk, 31 July], winger Crysencio Summerville [Florian Plettenberg, 1 August], and striker Niclas Fullkrug [Patrick Berger, 1 August] will certainly aid the overhaul Lopetegui sought to undertake this summer.
Lopetegui has made clear his desire to sign two central defenders this summer, and following setback after setback in their chase of Jean-Clair Todibo [HITC, 30 July], turning to Solet may prove a wise move.
And despite the reportedly “erratic” play 24-year-old Solet can be prone to, bringing in the Frenchman alongside Kilman and Wan-Bissaka would give the new-look Hammers side a solid defensive foundation.
In other West Ham news, an injured Irons star has joined up with the squad as he continues his rehabilitation in pre-season.
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