---
title: "West Ham United: David Moyes wants to sign Nikola Maksimovic"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-david-moyes-wants-to-sign-nikola-maksimovic/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-07-08T06:15:46Z"
modified: "2021-07-08T06:15:46Z"
---

# West Ham United: David Moyes wants to sign Nikola Maksimovic

**According to a report by[the Daily Star](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfers-chelsea-moyes-24469195), West Ham United manager David Moyes wants to add free agent defender Nikola Maksimovic to his roster this summer – but he faces competition from Real Betis and Napoli.**

### The Lowdown: West Ham hunting centre-half…

As explained by [Claret & Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/candh-exclusive-moyes-wants-three-positions-filled/), West Ham are on the hunt for new centre-backs this summer with that position being a priority.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”355378″\]

Among the names linked recently, both [Nikola Milenkovic](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/fiorentina-prima-offerta-per-milenkovic-43144) of Fiorentina and [Conor Goldson](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-major-update-on-goldson-future-at-rangers-as-west-ham-swoop/) of Rangers have been mentioned, while Lyon defender Joachim Andersen has also been [namedropped in passing.](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-west-ham-transfer-andersen-23974176)

Maksimovic is on the radar for Moyes and West Ham as well with the Daily Star now sharing an update.

### The Latest: Moyes wants Maskimovic for West Ham…

As per the Star, Moyes wants to sign Maksimovic for West Ham this summer but faces stiff competition from Betis – who also want to snap up the free agent after his exit from Napoli.

[West Ham latest!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-3/)

As well as this, the 29-year-old is weighing up re-signing for his former club after they failed to agree on terms and is back in talks over a potential improved deal.

Indeed, as per this report, West Ham are in a race to sign the 6 foot 3 Serbian colossus as both sides pose a real threat.

Moyes is said to be preparing a ‘big squad restructure’ in east London as they gear up for the Europa League group stages.

### The Verdict: Get it done…

After Fabian Balbuena’s departure from the London Stadium, it is arguable that the Irons need to reinforce their options at centre-half and the experienced Maksimovic comes as a solid free option.

Despite starting just 12 Serie A matches last season for Napoli, he averaged a 92.2% pass accuracy out from the back in that time – perhaps pointing to a cool and composed defender who could be a real asset for West Ham ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/98631/Show/Nikola-Maksimovic)).

For no transfer fee, the [25-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nikola-maksimovic/profil/spieler/124715) international serves as a potentially fruitful acquisition in a difficult market marred by coronavirus.

However, if Moyes and the club do want to get a deal done, they may need to intervene quickly going by this report.

***In other news: Journalist makes 11-word West Ham transfer claim involving ‘phenomenal’ striker, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-transfer-rumours/west-ham-united-journalist-makes-11-word-transfer-claim-involving-tammy-abraham/)***