Why Nils Koppen knowledge is already paying off at West Ham as Celtic raid planned

Nils Koppen's feet are firmly under the desk at West Ham United as the new director of player recruitment looks to leave his mark on the squad.

West Ham confirmed the appointment of Koppen on 4 July following a spell in a similar role at FC Copenhagen.

The Belgian also previously worked at Rangers, with his knowledge of Scottish football now potentially paying off.

With West Ham now shopping in a different market, bringing in players from the SPFL - of a similar quality to the Championship - makes sense.

It appears a Celtic player is now on the Hammers' list of possible targets, as well as a player from Koppen's former club Rangers.

And it may well be that one of those options could fill the void left by Lucas Paqueta earlier this year.

What we know as West Ham turn focus to Celtic's Reo Hatate

West Ham Zone has already reported this summer on West Ham's interest in Celtic's Arne Engels.

And it now appears the Irons are ready to step up their initial interest in Reo Hatate.

The i newspaper's print edition reports on Thursday that Hatate is considered an "attractive" option due to his stats.

The 28-year-old can play in multiple attacking midfield positions and his strengths lie in his passing ability.

The report points out how West Ham failed to replace Paqueta upon his departure in the winter window.

Hatate has expressed his desire to leave Celtic and Hatate, who Koppen will know well in terms of his abilities, is being considered.

And Hatate - hailed as "special" by teammate Callum McGregor in March - is not the only player north of the border West Ham could move for.

West Ham also eye Rangers defender John Souttar

West Ham have already been linked with Harry Souttar this summer.

Well, brother John Souttar, who has been shut out at Rangers since Derek McInnes arrived, is another who is supposedly being eyed.

Souttar has been linked with a number of English clubs, but West Ham's stature - and label as one of the favourites for promotion - could give them the edge.

Whether it is Souttar, Hatate or anyone else, West Ham fans just want to see further movement in terms of incoming signings.