West Ham have been given the green light to sign Angelo Preciado from Sparta Prague, according to TBR Football.

The website says a source has told them it would “not be difficult” to purchase the Ecuadorian international due to the fact Daniel Kretinsky holds shares in both clubs.

While the Czech billionaire is only a minority shareholder at the Hammers, he owns a larger stake in Sparta Prague so negotiations would be easier when it comes to Preciado’s transfer.

It is believed Julen Lopetegui’s team are weighing up a move for the right-back as they look at potential replacements for Vladimir Coufal.

What do West Ham fans need to know about Preciado?

The 26-year-old has been capped 44 times by Ecuador but he has only played in Europe for the last three and a half years.

Belgian side Genk signed Preciado from Independiente del Valle for €3m in the 2021 January transfer window, before he left for Sparta Prague in September last year.

He is more of a wingback than a traditional fullback, but the fact that he is more attack-minded would make him a different option to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The summer arrival from Manchester United is known more for his defensive abilities.

Why is Coufal being replaced?

The Czech international (who was also signed from Sparta Prague) is unlikely to stay at the London Stadium for much longer due to his contract situation.

Coufal’s current deal expires at the end of the season and TBR report that there is very little prospect of the defender putting pen to paper on an extension. In fact, there is even a chance he could leave in the New Year, with Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas circling.

That would explain why the Irons are so keen on Preciado. We shall see how this transfer story develops over the coming weeks.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here