Gaetan Coucke admits he would ‘definitely consider’ a move to Premier League outfit West Ham United with his contract at KV Mechelen expiring in the summer transfer window, speaking to Gazet Van Antwerpen.
As things stand, neither of West Ham’s first-choice goalkeepers are certain to be at the London Stadium next season.
David Moyes admitted recently, via the Daily Mail, that he is hoping to retain Lukasz Fabianski for another 12 months. But talks is cheap and fact remains that the Hammers still haven’t extended a contract that runs out in a matter of weeks.
Alphonse Areola’s own future is up in the air too. According to TEAMtalk, a Fulham side with one foot and four more toes in the Premier League are ‘confident’ about beating West Ham to a deal that would see the France international return for a second spell at Craven Cottage.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, West Ham have identified 23-year-old Coucke as a potential contingency plan. Coucke, plying his trade for a high-flying KV Mechelen side, is entering the final 12 months of his deal.
And when quizzed on West Ham’s interest – as well as that of Torino and Reims – the former Belgium U19 ace admits that an offer from the London Stadium would be difficult to turn down.
West Ham’s new goalkeeper?
“Nice list! (They are) clubs that I would definitely consider if they came with a concrete proposal,” Coucke admits.
“I also have an option in my contract here that Mechelen can extend me. In that case, I will be there for two more years. But I haven’t heard from (the club) yet.
“Going abroad has always been a dream. And I feel ready for this next step. But, in itself, I’m still good in Mechelen. If a good offer comes in from a good club, then I will consider it, European football or not.”
West Ham have also been linked with West Brom contract-rebel Sam Johnstone. According to The Sun, however, the Englishman is expected to join Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer instead.
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