According to The Independent, West Ham United are in the lead to sign Slavia Prague defender Vladimir Coufal.
It’s claimed that David Moyes is seeking a new right back, and Coufal has been picked out following Tomas Soucek’s ‘quick integration’ at West Ham.
Soucek joined West Ham on loan from Slavia earlier this year, and his superb displays have now prompted a permanent deal with the Hammers.
They could no go back to the Czech market for former teammate Coufal, with a fee of around £2million to £4million needed.
Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Southampton are understood to want Coufal too, but West Ham are allegedly ‘ahead’ in the race.
Coufal, 27, bagged three goals in 27 games this season, and has also picked up seven caps for the Czech Republic.
Formerly of Slovan Liberec, Coufal has played more than 250 first-team games, and has impressed as a solid right back who can get forward and put quality into the box.
Coufal may not be a particularly ‘sexy’ target at right back, but with Ben Johnson showing promise, an experienced player to come in and compete without breaking the bank makes sense – and finding another Soucek has to be appealing too.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
