David Moyes’s West Ham United could reportedly move away from a deal for Manchester United central defender Harry Maguire and could bid for Odilon Kossounou instead.
According to The Sun, West Ham United are struggling to agree a deal with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and have identified Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou as an alternative.
West Ham have agreed a £30 million deal with Manchester United over the signing of Maguire in the summer transfer window.
However, the Hammers are struggling to agree personal terms with Maguire.
West Ham United eye Odilon Kossounou as Harry Maguire alternative
The England international defender earns £190,000 per week as salary.
According to The Sun, West Ham have identified Ivory Coast international defender Kossounou as “the major alternative”.
The report in the British tabloid has claimed that West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten knows Kossounou from his time at the German club.
Bayer could be open to a loan deal for the 22-year-old with the obligation to make it permanent next season.
Kossounou is a very good and promising young defender who has played 17 times for the Ivory Coast international.
The defender has been on the books of Bayer since 2021 and has been superb in the Bundesliga.
Kossounou made 17 starts and seven substitute appearances in the Bundesliga for Bayer last season.
The youngster gave one assist in those games.
The Ivory Coast international also played five times in the UEFA Champions League and made two starts and three substitute appearances in the UEFA Europa League for Bayer last season.
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