French outlet Foot Mercato report that David Moyes has added Metz right-back Koffi Kouao to his January shortlist – with the right-back area likely to be an issue that needs resolving in the next few weeks for the Hammers manager.
Thilo Kehrer joined the Hammers in the summer, but the Germany international is seen as a centre-back by Moyes. With Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna potentially leaving in the summer, Kehrer is likely to move into the middle.
Ben Johnson remains an option on the right, but has often been used on the left. Vladimir Coufal has been linked with the exit door, too. The Czech Republic international has fallen down the pecking order and is out of contract in June.
West Ham need a right-back. Moyes has stated that activity in January is unlikely to be big, but that if players depart, he may have to replace them. The Hammers will surely sell £5m Coufal if a bid arrives – to avoid losing him on a free.
Moyes adds Kouao to West Ham shortlist, replacement for Coufal
Kouao, 24, has impressed since joining French side Metz in the summer. Albeit in the second tier of French football, his pace up and down the right flank has caught the eye. So much so, that he has earned two caps for the Ivory Coast.
It is unclear how much Metz would want for one of their star players. But a profit is likely, given he cost Metz less than £1million in the summer. He has a contract with the Ligue 2 side until June 2026, meaning Metz are under no pressure.
But it is clear that West Ham want to bring in a new right-back. One to replace Coufal, who could leave this month – or at the end of the current campaign. Kouao is a solid signing – he would not expect to start, but good competition.
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