West Ham target Serie A defender in last-minute deal, price set at £12.5m – report.
West Ham enter the race to sign Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter ahead of the 3 February deadline, per Mondo Udinese.
An Italian source reported on 1 January that West Ham face competition from AS Roma and, more recently, AC Milan in their pursuit of the 22-year-old defender.
Genoa, unwilling to break up their squad, are expected to demand a £12.5 million (€15 million) fee for his services.
Will Graham Potter land a new defender for West Ham?
With Jarrod Bowen nearing a return from injury, West Ham have two key positions to address before the transfer window closes on 3 February.
While Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug’s injuries have left Potter searching for a striker, the wingers have ensured goals continue to flow at the London Stadium.
However, defensive frailties remain a major issue, with only four Premier League teams conceding more goals than the Hammers this season.
Although Jean-Clair Todibo is a promising option, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos have been Potter’s preferred centre-back pairing in recent weeks.
Yet, West Ham have managed just one win in their last six games, highlighting their defensive struggles.
Three senior centre-backs are insufficient for a full Premier League campaign, a challenge previously noted by Julen Lopetegui.
While Kaelan Casey’s promotion has provided some relief, another first-team defender could be crucial for a strong second half of the season.
With Serie A experience at Juventus, Empoli, and Genoa, along with a Belgium national team cap, the 22-year-old could be the solution to Potter’s defensive concerns.
