West Ham United transfer target Filip Kostic is now one step away from becoming an Irons player, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via West Ham News & Views).

The Lowdown: Kostic bid rejected

According to a report by Sky Sports (28 July), the Hammers are working hard on a deal to sign the left-sided Eintracht Frankfurt player.

The east Londoners reportedly had a £12.6m bid rejected for the 29-year-old, with the Bundesliga club holding out for a fee closer to £16.8m.

Kostic has already turned down two offers from teams playing in the Champions League, but it is said that he would consider a move to West Ham if an agreement can be reached.

The Latest: One step away…

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Twitter outlet West Ham News & Views, Kostic is now one step away from joining the Irons.

It is reported that the negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt have accelerated in recent days due to the fresh mediation by Alessandro Lucci, founder of the World Soccer Agency (WSA) – the same agency which brought Gianluca Scamacca to the London Stadium.

The Serbia international is now 'one step away' from a definitive handshake.

The Verdict: Would be huge

When looking at the player’s underlying statistics, it is clear to see the magnitude of West Ham’s pulling power in the transfer market.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, Kostic ranks in the 99th percentile for shots total, assists, expected assists, non-penalty goals plus expected assists and shot-creating actions.

With multiple Champions League clubs having been rejected by the Serbian, this illustrates just how well established the Hammers are in the European transfer market – that's if GSB can get the signing over the line.

Therefore, if the 'phenomenal' Kostic (as described by journalist Ryan Taylor) does end up signing for West Ham, this would be a huge statement by David Moyes' side.