West Ham United have reportedly made an offer to sign out-of-contract Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, according to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano (via Area Napoli).
THE LOWDOWN: DEFENDER SET FOR THE NAPOLI EXIT DOOR
Maksimovic’s contract with Napoli is set to expire this summer, and it appears as though he’s attracting interest ahead of the 2021/22 season.
He first signed for the club in 2016, and went on to make 99 appearances in total, although he found regular minutes in the 2020/21 campaign hard to come by on a consistent basis.
With Fabian Balbuena being released by West Ham at the end of his contract with the club, it seems as though David Moyes is keen to add to his defensive options at the earliest of opportunities.
THE LATEST: WEST HAM MAKE THEIR MOVE TO LAND MAKSIMOVIC’S SIGNATURE
According to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano (via Area Napoli), West Ham have reportedly made an offer to land Maksimovic’s signature this summer.
The defender is available on a free transfer, and with no new agreement with Napoli in place, it seems as though he’s likely to be heading for the exit door in the near future.
“He has had offers from Betis, Sevilla, West Ham and Crystal Palace but has not decided,” Giordano claims.
It remains to be seen as to whether the defender is keen on a move to Moyes’ side, although the prospect of playing European football could make it a tempting proposition for the £9million-rated man.
THE VERDICT: IT COULD BE A SMART BIT OF BUSINESS BY THE HAMMERS
This would be a real statement of intent by the Hammers heading into the new Premier League campaign, which is set to get underway in August.
They’re going to need additional strength in depth in their team this term, as they’re competing in Europe, as well as domestically in the Premier League.
Maksimovic has experience of playing in the Champions League whilst with Napoli, so he could be exactly what West Ham need moving forwards, adding depth and know-how at the highest level.
On a potential free transfer as well, this could turn out to be an excellent bit of business for the Hammers this summer.
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