Deal all but done: West Ham to land £10m ace after failed January attempt – report
By Dominic Toner
West Ham are confident of signing St Etienne defender Kevin Malcuit in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Sky Sports claim that the Hammers are expected to land the 25-year-old right-back in the next window for £10million.
It is understood that Slaven Bilic tried to sign him during January, but St Etienne were adamant they would not lose him halfway through the season.
The report details that French club St Etienne are now willing to allow the defender to leave them in the summer, when they are set to make a good profit on a player they signed for £500,000.
Malcuit is an attack-minded full-back that can also be deployed as a winger, something that might interest Bilic in his 3-4-3 formation.
The Frenchman has been an ever-present for St Etienne and managed four assists in his 28 appearances.
He experienced English opposition in the Europa League as his team suffered a 4-0 aggregate defeat against Manchester United.
Football Insider verdict:
West Ham are keen on signing a right-back in the summer, with Sam Byram, Alvaro Arbeloa and the versatile Cheikhou Kouyate the options at their disposal. Bilic has shown a strong interest in Malcuit and believes he has the potential to perform in England. The defender has been one of St Etiene’s standout players this season and they will receive a tidy sum of £10million for him. However, it would be a slight risk on West Ham’s part as several of their signings from foreign leagues in the summer have failed to make the desired impact. They may be better served going for a player that has experience in the Premier League, who can help them kick on and compete for a European spot next season.
In other West Ham transfer news, they are set to reignite a move for a Premier League striker.
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