West Ham are reportedly willing to pay the release clause for Independiente centre-back Kevin Lomonaco.
The Hammers are yet to make a signing this summer leaving many fans concerned about the lack of squad improvement heading into next season.
After an underwhelming first year in charge for Graham Potter, the former Chelsea manager will be keen to bring in some young talent and develop them into stars, something that he did very well during his time at Brighton.
One of those names is Independiente defender Keven Lomonaco, who West Ham have been linked with for a considerable amount of time. However, it now seems that they have advanced in their moves for him.
According to a report by Argentinian outlet Minuto Uno, West Ham are willing to exercise the £15m release clause in Lomonaco’s contract, and are expected to step up their pursuit of him in the near future.
Independiente wants to keep the 23-year-old according to the report, but they would allow him to leave if any club match his release clause. Which means, if the Hammers are indeed willing to pay it, a deal to sign the centre-back could be very close.
The report says that La Liga side Real Betis want to sign Lomonaco too, and an unnamed Premier League team, who are newly promoted. That leaves one of Leeds United, Sunderland or Burnley.
Lomonaco receives high praise
The defender is highly-regarded in Argentina, and many believe that the defender is capable of making the step up to the top European leagues at this stage in his career.
Former Argentina and Liverpool star Javier Mascherano, who is now the manager of Inter Miami was quoted by Apex Football talking about Lomonaco and his ability.
He said that the 23-year-old has physicality, aerial ability and leadership”, qualities that Potter would welcome in West Ham’s back line, especially considering their struggles last season. The Hammers conceded the sixth-most goals in the Premier League last season, letting in 62 goals in 38 matches.
Click here to see West Ham United’s squad heading into the transfer window.
