Everton and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on West Ham target Leonardo Koutris.
Many may dislike the international breaks, disrupting the league season, but they do give players a chance to impress for their countries – and possibly put themselves in the shop window.
A whole host of internationals have been linked around the world during this break, and one of them is Greece defender Leonardo Koutris.
Koutris started for Greece against Liechtenstein on Saturday, and helped his side claim a 2-0 win – just hours before he was being linked with moves to the Premier League.
TEAMtalk claim that Everton and Newcastle United were among the teams to travel to Vaduz to watch Olympiakos ace Koutris in action, with Leicester City also believed to be keen.
West Ham watched him too, and that’s no surprise; The Telegraph reported in November that the Hammers had identified Koutris as the man they wanted to bolster their left back options.
Now valued at £10million and wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, West Ham would be left kicking themselves if any of their top-flight rivals swoop in to sign Koutris this summer.
Just 23, Koutris was born in Brazil but has chosen a career in and with Greece so far, impressing with his pace and attacking ability down the left flank, which has understandably made him a target for other clubs.
West Ham desperately need a new left back though, with Arthur Masuaku set for the exit and Aaron Cresswell better as cover, and lining up Koutris for so long only for him to join a Premier League rival would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Hammers chief Mario Husillos needs to get talking to Olympiakos about a deal now, attempting to set up a move before any of those other clubs can get in and sign a long-term West Ham target.
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