BREAKING NEWS: West Ham in contact since winter in bid to sign a talented defender’

West Ham has remained in contact with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie since their initial approach in the winter, as technical director Tim Steidten is a big fan of his, according to Fussball Transfers.

The German news source reported on 17 August that, despite the defender’s current injury, he will be fully fit before the transfer window closes on 1 September, meaning a transfer cannot be ruled out.

Liverpool are also interested in securing Hincapie’s signature, as they are targeting a left-footed defender in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

Steidten could make the difference

As the report states, West Ham’s technical director is a big fan of Hincapie, and already has a prior relationship with him following his time at Leverkusen before moving to East London earlier this summer.

This could make a difference should West Ham need to convince the defender to pick them over Liverpool, although in this situation it would be hard to make a case for a move to the Hammers.

A focus on a new central defender has emerged at West Ham after their £30million move for Machester United defender Harry Maguire broke down over personal terms.

There have also been suggestions that the Hammers could make a move for another Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, who they have been watching since the start of the transfer window [Claret & Hugh, 15 August].

Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos has also been on their radar [Daily Mail, 17 August], with the defender attracted to a move to East London, as the club look to use their contacts in Germany to their benefit.

In other West Ham news, they have advanced moves to secure two new signings.