West Ham United have scheduled the next round of talks with Serbian left-back Filip Kostic, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Eintracht Frankfurt have received the Hammers’ official bid for the defender and it’s now up to the player whether to complete the move.
Kostic was part of the Frankfurt side that won the Europa League last season and he was also named the competition’s Player of the Season.
West Ham Discussing Personal Terms With Filip Kostic
West Ham have already scheduled new round of talks with Filip Kostić in order to discuss personal terms, after official bid. His agent, now busy with Scamacca deal Italian striker will be in London very soon. ⚒️ #WHUFC
Eintracht have received West Ham bid, it’s up to the player. pic.twitter.com/AftvbzhnpI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2022
Depth Needed
West Ham produced a memorable campaign in 202121, reaching the Europa League semi-finals and securing another European berth with their seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
They did so with a fairly limited squad, too, Michail Antonio being the only out-and-out striker in their ranks for the entire season.
Left-back is not something immediately needed in terms of numbers, but Kostic’s arrival would likely see him take the starting spot off both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku, who will provide competition.
Masuaku benefits from the fact that he can play further up the pitch depending on the Hammers’ formation, while both he and Cresswell will be needed to allow Kostic a break during busier parts of the season.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
West Ham have also been focussing on depth elsewhere on the pitch. Nayef Aguerd has come in at centre-back, Flynn Downes has joined from Swansea City and Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca is set to join from Sassuolo.
The arrival of Downes gives West Ham more options in central midfield after Mark Noble’s retirement and Alex Kral’s departure, though it has potentially blocked the path for Conor Coventry to come into the squad.
The Republic of Ireland U21 international enjoyed a successful loan period at MK Dons in the second half of last season and immediately following his return there were murmurs that he could become a regular fixture at West Ham.
Now, though, it looks more likely that he’ll depart, with a loan the most likely option.
