West Ham United are being linked with Russian World Cup ace Ilya Kutepov.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham United are one of a number of clubs interested in snapping up Spartak Moscow defender Ilya Kutepov this summer.
The Hammers have already boosted their back line with the signings of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, right back Ryan Fredericks and centre back Issa Diop, but Manuel Pellegrini appears to be keen on another centre back yet.
Few could blame him; James Collins has left the club, Winston Reid may be on his way out after a series of injury problems, and Declan Rice has yet to sign a new contract.
The likes of Alfie Mawson, Marlon Santos, Armando Izzo and Craig Dawson have all been linked with West Ham in recent weeks, but now it seems that the Hammers are keen on a young defender impressing at the World Cup.
Tuttomercatoweb report that Spartak Moscow defender Ilya Kutepov is not only attracting interest from West Ham, but also Lyon, Fiorentina and RB Leipzig after an impressive summer.
Kutepov, 24, was thrust into the World Cup as Russia’s main centre back after a string of injuries, and helped Russia claim wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt in their home World Cup campaign.
The 6ft 4in centre back must face Spain in the last 16, but he has so far shown enough quality to trigger interest from around Europe, with Kutepov now a potential West Ham target as their pursuit of another defender continues.
A 2012 signing from Akademiya Togliatti, Kutepov has only become a regular with Spartak over the last two seasons, but he may yet find himself playing in the Premier League next season.
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