West Ham are lining up a move for Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter, according to insider source ExWHUEmployee.

Speaking on the West Ham Way podcast (quotes via their website), Ex confirmed reports from last month that the Hammers are keen on signing the 22-year-old:

“Koni De Winter of Genoa is a player the club have scouted and are very keen on, with the Belgium international seen as an option to build our back-line under [Graham] Potter.”

Ex goes on to say that a deal for De Winter “will likely depend on the sale of [Konstantinos] Mavropanos.”

The former Arsenal and Stuttgart player is thought to be on the market. Even though head coach Graham Potter is not against keeping the Greek international, there is a feeling that the club can do better than him.

De Winter has been likened to Kompany

Due to his position and nationality, the centre-back has often been compared to former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

De Winter has certainly not reached that level quite yet, but it is a testament to his ability that the Irons are prepared to build their new defence around him.

West Ham will have to decide on the future of another defender

Mavropanos is not the only centre-back who could be sold this summer. Nayef Aguerd is currently on loan at Real Sociedad but he will return to the London Stadium in July.

At the moment, a final decision has not been made on whether the Hammers will sanction the Moroccan’s departure on a permanent basis. He has, though, improved his reputation during his time in Spain so there will be a temptation to cash in and use the funds to strengthen the squad. It could be a summer of significant change at the club.

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