West Ham transfer close and two new targets emerge

West Ham United exploded into life after a quiet start to the transfer window and they introduced two big names earlier this month in Edson Alvarez and James Ward Prowse.

But it appears further signings are around the corner at The London Stadium as they edge closer to a deal to sign Greek defender Kostantinos Mavropanos. 

The Hammers are keen to strengthen their team so that they can thrive in all competitions this season and they are aiming to fill the void of former captain Declan Rice who completed a blockbuster move to Arsenal.

West Ham are expected to be one of the busiest teams in the final few days of the window and with that in mind we have taken a look at all the big rumours surrounding David Moyes and his team.

Kostantinos Mavropanos deal imminent

West Ham United were heavily linked with a move for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and it was reported that a £30m deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

But England’s most expensive defender has ultimately committed his future to Manchester United as he aims to fight for his place in Erik Ten Hag’s side.

As a result of this West Ham have turned their defensive attentions elsewhere and they are close to wrapping up a £18m deal for Stuttgart defender Kostantinos Mavropanos, according to the Daily Mail.

The former Arsenal defender is primarily a centre back but he is blessed with the versatility to play all across the back four if needed.

He has been capped 19 times for Greece and has been a first team regular in the Bundesliga for three seasons.

West Ham target £40m England international

West Ham have strengthened in a number of areas this summer including midfield and defence but one area where they are light on numbers is centre forward.

The Hammers currently have Michail Antonio and Danny Ings as their main striker options but they sold big money signing Gianluca Scamacca back to Serie A after an unsuccessful debut season.

West Ham are hoping to sign a long term centre forward and one viable option appears to be Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, according to Football Insider.

Solanke scored six goals for The Cherries last season but was praised for his hold up play as he provided seven assists.

The former Liverpool striker also fired in a total of 29 goals during Bournemouth’s championship campaign in 2021/22 as they earned promotion back to the Premier League.

The value for the one-time England international is believed to be in the region of £40m.

Hammers keep hold of midfield asset amid betting investigation

Manchester City were dealt a huge blow early in the season as starman Kevin De Bruyne picked up a long term injury.

The Citizens have been eyeing a replacement for the midfielder to help them in the coming months and they were heavily linked with a move for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.

But Sky Sports News now reports that a deal between the two parties has broken down as Paqueta faces an investigation over betting breaches.

The Brazilian denies any wrongdoing and he was on the scoresheet during his sides impressive 3-1 win over Arsenal.

West Ham consider move for former Newcastle target

West Ham are hoping to strengthen their frontline with the signing of Hugo Etikite from PSG.

The 21-year-old rose to stardom at Reims in 2020 and turned down the chance to join Newcastle in January 2022 as the club faced a relegation battle.

The French youngster has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular in the French capital since joining last summer and West Ham could table a bid for the player in the coming days according to RMC Sport.