West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham set to learn Filip Kostic fate, as wide player holds out for accelerating Juventus despite temptation

Benjamin Henrichs battling Filip Kostic

West Ham United risk missing out on the signing of Filip Kostic because he prefers Juventus, according to reports in Italy.

Kostic is under consideration by West Ham as they search for a new left wing-back. Originally a winger, the Serbia international has performed in that role for Eintracht Frankfurt. Hence, he would be a wise reinforcement if David Moyes wants to use a system that incorporates wing-backs.

There has been some optimism regarding West Ham getting their man. However, they are not Kostic’s only admirers.

Indeed, the wide player is also on the radar of Juventus. According to Calciomercato, the Serie A side are back in the race to sign him – even if they have some catching up to do with West Ham.

Massimiliano Allegri wants to add a left winger to his squad after identifying it as a problematic position during pre-season. With that in mind, his club have resumed contacts to sign Kostic.

Despite this, the 29-year-old has reached an agreement with West Ham. The club have also had a bid accepted by Frankfurt in the region of €15m (£12.5m).

Before a deal can happen, though, Kostic wants to hold out for Juventus. If they could match West Ham’s offer, he would choose the Italian side.

However, the Evening Standard have said that Kostic is still “tempted” by the idea of playing for West Ham, even if it has been a challenge to convince him so far.

It could be a decisive couple of days to determine where Kostic will be playing his football next season and beyond. His contract with Frankfurt expires next summer, so a transfer either way looks likely.

The fact that West Ham have offloaded Arthur Masuaku may indicate they are confident of at least bringing in a left-sided defender to fill the gap. And if it is to be Kostic, it would point towards a switch to a formation with a back three.

If Juventus beat them to him, though, they might have to consider their alternatives. The Daily Mail claim Moyes has distanced the club from reports of interest in Angelino of RB Leipzig as one alternative.

That was within a recent report suggesting they may move on from Kostic if there is a lack of progress. The coming hours should suggest whether they have any chance of outmuscling Juventus in the battle for his services.

West Ham will want quick conclusion with Filip Kostic

For all concerned, it would be beneficial to know what is happening with Filip Kostic soon. The start of the season is approaching and West Ham, Juventus and Frankfurt will all want to know who they can count on.

There will be time to rectify any areas of need in the transfer market until the start of September. However, making a positive start in their respective leagues will be important to the clubs.

Kostic is a talented player who excels at providing assists. Clearly, he is someone worth pursuing. But that can only be the case for so long, since it can be damaging to focus too much on one target.

That is why Calciomercato have spoken of a kind of ultimatum from West Ham’s part. Perhaps a resolution will arrive by the end of the week.

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