West Ham in advanced talks to sign Konstantinos Mavropanos – Sky Sports News
West Ham are now in advanced talks with Stuttgart over a deal to sign Konstantinos Mavropanos, according to Sky Sports News.
The broadcaster reported via their live transfer blog on Wednesday night (16 August, 07:35pm) that the Hammers are nearing an agreement with the Germans as David Moyes aims to add to his defensive options.
It is understood that West Ham have switched their attention towards signing the 25-year-old Greece defender after failing to sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United.
How good is Mavropanos?
We’ll be honest, he’s not as good as Maguire.
Even though Maguire has had his troubles at Manchester United, he’s been a constant of the England national team’s greatest spell in decades and was at one point one of the best defenders in European club football.
There’s a reason why Man United paid what they did for the former Leicester man.
Mavropanos isn’t bad, however.
The Athens-born colossus played 28 times in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart last season, scoring two goals in the process.
He also had to play twice in the relegation playoffs, scoring an important goal as Stuttgart avoided the drop by beating HSV over two legs.
The former Arsenal defender has a bit of Premier league experience – albeit being just seven games – but he does know what it’s like to play on these shores.
He’s not a bad signing but he’s not one that thrills us.
The FootMercato journalist reported via his personal Twitter page (16 August) that the Bundesliga outfit have made an offer of £24million for Montpellier’s 20-year-old striker, although this is unlikely to be accepted
Montpellier are awaiting a higher official offer from David Moyes’ side, with contacts having already taken place between the two clubs over a transfer for the France Under-21 international.
Montpellier favour offers from West Ham, who have promised to outbid any other offers the French club receive for Wahi (Foot Mercato, 16 August).
Action plan
It couldn’t be more straightforward for the West Ham board what they need to do in order to get this deal across the line and bring Wahi to the London Stadium this summer. A price has been set and now it is up to the club to match it and get the deal across the line.
Montpellier are awaiting an offer from the Premier League club, which gives them plenty of power in this situation and supporters will be hoping that they do not mess up this pursuit.
If they can get a deal across the line, it would be a fantastic bit of business. Wahi is a great talent with a very high ceiling and demonstrated that in the league last year. Despite only being 20 years old, he found the back of the net on 19 occasions while also providing five assists in 33 Ligue 1 matches. What a talent the East London outfit could land.
