West Ham’s lack of European football could be an “issue” if they want to sign Feyenoord defender David Hancko, according to ExWHUEmployee.

Speaking on the West Ham Way podcast (quotes via their website), the insider confirmed reports from the Netherlands that the Slovakian international is a Hammers target but, with Chelsea also in the mix, Ex said that a transfer to the London Stadium is far from certain:

“A player who is now very much on the radar is David Hancko of Feyenoord. Although he is 27, which is older than the players typically appear to be targeting under Potter and Macaulay, he is versatile at being able to cover at left-back also. It’s understood that others are also keen on the player, with Chelsea said to be monitoring his situation. But at this stage, he’s certainly a player we could be set to ramp up our interest at the end of the season.”

“I have been told, though, that there is a desire from the player to play in European competition, which could prove an issue when trying to convince him to move to West Ham.”

What do West Ham fans need to know about the player?

Hancko started his professional career with Zilina in his homeland before he was sold to Serie A side Fiorentina in the summer of 2018.

The centre-back failed to make an impact in Italy, though, playing just five games in his debut season before being loaned out to Sparta Prague for two years.

After moving to the Czech club on a permanent basis in 2021, he spent one more season there before he made the switch to his current team Feyenoord. Under the management of Arne Slot, he helped win the Eredivisie title in 2023, as well as the Dutch Cup a year later.

Hancko could replace either Kilman or Todibo

Just a year after paying Wolves £40m for Max Kilman, the club are said to be willing to sell the 27-year-old, while there is also question marks over the future of Jean-Clair Todibo.

Considering head coach Graham Potter only has three senior centre-halves at his disposal anyway, it could be argued that a player like Hancko should be brought in even if neither of these defenders leave.

Click here to see West Ham’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season