West Ham set sights on signing ‘ideal’ Mavropanos replacement – O’Rourke
West Ham have identified a replacement for Konstantinos Mavropanos ahead of the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that 25-year-old Udinese star Oumar Solet has been a long-term target for the Hammers after they missed out last summer.
The centre-back is seen as the ideal fit for Graham Potter’s side thanks to his strength, physicality and speed, and sources say Udinese will be open to offers.
His contract is set to run until 2027 as things stand, but a big offer would allow them to make a significant profit on his sale.
After his departure from RB Salzburg last summer, West Ham opted against pursuing a move to sign him on a free transfer as he instead joined the Italian side.
However, concerns about Mavropanos’ performances this season have made the centre-back position a key target for Potter this summer.
West Ham target new centre-back to replace Mavropanos
Signing a new centre-back has become a priority for West Ham this summer as a result of their dreadful defensive record under both Potter and Julen Lopetegui.
After 30 Premier League games, they have conceded 50 goals – the second-worst record outside of the bottom three – and have kept just four clean sheets in their last 20 games across all competitions.
Solet’s physicality has highlighted him as a player who would easily adapt to the Premier League, but he is just one of a number of names on the Hammers’ list.
Football Insider revealed on 4 March that Southampton star Taylor Harwood-Bellis is wanted by West Ham and Crystal Palace.
However, former Irons scout Mick Brown explained West Ham want someone better than Harwood-Bellis as they set their sights on loftier targets.
Graham Potter eyes move to sign departing Southampton star
Alongside the potential additions of Solet and Harwood-Bellis, West Ham have been looking to strengthen at full-back as they look to sure up their defence.
Football Insider revealed that West Ham want to sign Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton as he is “certain” to leave St Mary’s on a free transfer this summer.
The full-back is capable of playing on both sides, a key asset for Potter, and is keen to remain in the Premier League following Southampton’s inevitable relegation.
Brown told Football Insider on 11 March that West Ham are readying an offer for Walker-Peters as he has become a key target thanks to his availability on a free.
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