By Callum O'Connell

18th Sep, 2023 | 12:40pm

West Ham United transfer news as interest in Filip Kostic more than just suggestion

Interest from West Ham in Juventus midfielder Filip Kostic in the summer transfer window was more than just a simple suggestion, according to Il Bianconero.

The Italian news outlet shared on 17 September that Juventus had looked to sell Kostic over the summer and although they never forced him out of the door, he was on their list of possible expendable players.

West Ham were heavily linked with a move for him, with Calciomercato suggesting the Hammers would make a move [30 August], and it now appears their interest was more advanced than just conversations.

No need for him now

The rumours around a move for Kostic looked to heat up towards the end of the summer transfer window as the Hammers looked to bring in further reinforcements to their squad, but the way they have started the season suggests this move is no longer necessary.

There had been suggestions that David Moyes could look to alter his formation and use three centre-backs with wing-backs on either side, rather than the flat-four he has used so far, which would have seen Kostic slot in at left-wing-back.

However, no such change has occurred as of yet despite the arrival of Konstantinos Mavropanos which was suggested to be the initial trigger to the change of formation to get all of their starting-quality defenders into the side.

This deal may no longer be on the cards due to a number of situational changes, but it has become clear that there was serious interest in the summer, and his arrival may have seen a difference in style at the London Stadium. However, we will never know.

In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on the possible exit of Lucas Paqueta.