Pundit issues ‘exciting’ Filip Kostic claim as West Ham submit £15m bid – ‘incredible’
Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to seal the “exciting” capture of Europa League-winning wing-back Filip Kostic this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old could consign Aaron Cresswell to a backup role at the London Stadium.
According to talkSPORT (22 July), West Ham have submitted a £15million bid for Eintracht Frankfurt star Kostic after missing out on RB Leipzig-bound left-back David Raum.
The 48-time Serbia international, who notched seven goals and 15 assists last term, has just one year remaining on his contract at the Bundesliga club.
Kostic primarily features at left wing-back for Frankfurt – but is also experienced in left midfield and left-back roles.
Whelan suggested moving for international stars could now be the norm for West Ham after their “incredible journey” under David Moyes.
“You’ve always got to be looking for these players who have the experience and attributes to come in and deal with the Premier League,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He seems to be one who definitely have the experience. They’ve always been very good when identifying this kind of transfer, they’ve always had some degree of success when David Moyes has been there.
“He’s also improved players. He looks for the right character and mentality to fit into the system he wants.
“It has been quite an incredible journey for West Ham – and that will allow them to move for these international players.”
“It’s an exciting signing. They’ll have that back-up as well, in Cresswell.
“We know Cresswell had a few injury problems last season, so this is something that will make West Ham undoubtedly better down that left-hand side.”
In other news, expert issues West Ham transfer warning after what he saw in person this week.