West Ham United transfer news: Milos Kerkez lined up as new left-back as Bournemouth prepare to open talks for AZ Alkmaar ace
West Ham United want to sign AZ Alkmaar left-back Milos Kerkez this summer but face competition from Bournemouth, according to 90min.
The Hammers played against 19-year-old Kerkez in the Europa Conference League semi-final second leg last season and he impressed enough to leave a lasting impression.
But if David Moyes wants to sign him he will have to get a move on as Bournemouth are preparing to open talks with the Eredivisie club to get a deal done ahead of the new season.
“The Hammers also hold an interest in Kerkez, along with a number of other clubs, but Bournemouth are ready to open talks in a bid to get a deal over the line,” they wrote (4 July).
Depth
West Ham need to be planning for the future when it comes to the left-back position, despite the fact Aaron Cresswell has had his contract extended.
Cresswell has struggled to find top form over the last 12-18 months, and has likely been kept around for another season simply because of his experience and leadership qualities.
It’s not a coincidence however that his better performances have come as a central defender in a back three more recently, rather than his more natural left-back position, and that means added depth is a good thing.
Kerkez is unlikely to be a very expensive signing, but at 19 with full international experience for Hungary as well as European experience he could be a shrewd signing to compete with Emerson Palmieri for a first-team spot.
But Bournemouth and several other clubs are showing interest and with West Ham seemingly waiting for the Declan Rice deal to be completed before they make their own moves, it could be a case of missing out.
In other West Ham news, a Premier League defender that Rio Ferdinand loves has emerged as a Hammers target.