West Ham United have landed a boost for their interest in Konstantinos Mavropanos’ transfer with VfB Stuttgart eying Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards as his replacement.
That is according to Kicker, which reports that Richards may leave Crystal Palace and return to the Bundesliga already. He only left the German top-flight to sign for the Eagles last July in an £8.5m move from Bayern Munich. But the first year of his five-year deal was not a victory.
Richards sustained a leg injury early into his time at Selhurst Park and struggled to regain his spot. Roy Hodgson replacing Patrick Vieira in charge of the Eagles would not help the 10-cap USA international, either. Richards has only featured once from nine fixtures under Hodgson.
Stuttgart want Crystal Palace’s Richards to replace Mavropanos
Stuttgart appreciate what Richards can deliver after featuring in 34 matches on loan to TSG Hoffenheim between 2021 and 2022. Die Roten’s manager, Sebastian Hoeness, was also Die Kraichgauer’s head coach through the 23-year-old’s two spells on loan from Bayern Munich.
Their relationship even goes back to Hoeness’ run as a coach in Der FCB’s academy system. Richards represented Bayern Munich’s Under-19s before moving into their B-team under the German. He further offered six goals and one assist during those 59 combined appearances.
Now, Stuttgart are exploring a deal to sign Richards from Crystal Palace in anticipation of the transfer of Mavropanos to West Ham. Hodgson has decided that the American has no future at Selhurst Park. While the Eagles would accept an initial loan if they cannot agree on his fee.
West Ham have an agreement with Mavropanos for his transfer
Kicker’s report follows Bild claiming that West Ham already have an agreement in place with Mavropanos for his transfer from Stuttgart. The 25-year-old is happy with the terms that the Irons are prepared to pay him. While the Hammers are set to make Die Roten their first offer.
London Stadium chiefs may even finalise a move for the former Arsenal defender before the end of the weekend. Mavropanos, who Ian Wright called ‘fearless’ at Emirates Stadium, had also had interest from Juventus and Inter Milan but the Serie A sides did not have the funds.
Stuttgart are willing to sell Mavropanos for €20m (£17m) as the 19-cap Greece enforcer has a contract until June 2025. He agreed to a three-year deal to secure a permanent move from Arsenal last July for £3m. The Athens native had been on loan to Stuttgart since July 2020.
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