West Ham have submitted a bid to sign a defender who almost joined Barcelona in 2019, according to a recent report.
Julen Loptegui has replaced David Moyes in the West Ham dugout and transfer planning is already well underway.
Moyes moulded his squad to often play defensive football but that is expected to change under Lopetegui’s stewardship.
So, the former Real Madrid man will need new profiles to implement his style and he seems to be keen on making a defender his first signing.
West Ham submit bid for Vitao
According to Revista Colorada, West Ham have submitted a £6.8m bid for Internacional centre-back Vitao, who almost joined Barcelona in 2019.
The 24-year-old is still contracted to Shakhtar Donetsk but will join the Brazillian outfit on a permanent deal in July following a two-season loan.
Though, that doesn’t mean he won’t be moving on again, as The Hammers seem intent on making him their first signing following the collapse of the Fabricio Bruno transfer.
It remains to be seen whether Inter will accept their offer.
Julen Lopetegui wants to bolster the defence
Lopetegui evidently views the centre-back positon as a priory area to strengthen, as he’s moved on quickly to find an alternative for Bruno.
Moyes geared his backline to be strong physically rather than placing emphasis on playing out from the back, so it seems the new Hammers boss wants to add more quality on the ball.
Further, Aguerd is rumoured to depart, with Atletico Madrid interested.