West Ham United have pulled out of the race to sign Toulouse centre-back Logan Costa, according to today’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (page 28).
The Hammers were heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old Cape Verde international, but Serie A side Bologna are now at the front of the queue for his signature. The Italian outfit is close to securing Costa for a fee of £12.8 million.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has identified defensive reinforcements as a priority this summer, with Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd struggling for form over the past 12 months.
The Irons shipped 74 goals in 38 Premier League outings last term and need to shore up the rearguard.
Costa impressed in the French top flight last season and would have strengthened the West Ham backline, but he is now closing in on a move to Italy.
The east London club have added Max Kilman to their defensive ranks but must continue their search for additional options before the transfer window closes.
Logan Costa could have been an excellent pick
Missing out on Costa is not the end of the world, but fans were already excited by the prospect of getting the impressive Toulouse defender.
The France-born centre-half is an imposing figure at 6ft3ins. He is a commanding defender, winning 63% of his aerial and 51% of his ground duels. He is also quietly superb on the ball, recording 4.56 progressive passes per 90.
However, technical director Tim Steidten needs to find a new target to step in and partner Kilman at the heart of the defence as the club looks to bounce back from a disappointing ninth-place finish.
One of the exciting rumours in the mill is that the Hammers are monitoring World Cup and Bundesliga winner Mats Hummels. West Ham could sign him on a free transfer but face competition from Brighton & Hove Albion.