West Ham United are interested in signing a ‘special’ £10m relegated player this summer transfer window, according to a recent report.
Julen Lopetegui has taken the reigns at the London Stadium following David Moyes’ departure – ending a four-and-a-half-year spell at the club.
The Spaniard will be working closely with technical director Tim Steidten to bolster the ranks and it seems one defender has already been targetted.
West Ham interested in Maxime Esteve
According to The Mirror (page 72), West Ham are interested in signing Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve.
The Clarets signed the 22-year-old centre-back in January with an obligation to buy worth £10m and he’s impressed despite being relegated.
The ‘special’ Frenchman is also of interest to Premier League rivals Everton, who could be in the market to replace Jarrad Branthwaite.
Having suffered relegation to the Championship, Burnley are expected to allow Esteve to depart for a reasonable fee, perhaps around £10-15m.
Maxime Esteve statistics
Esteve is a left-footed centre-back and could replace Nayef Aguerd, who has been heavily linked with a move to LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid in recent weeks.
According to FBref, the Burnley man ranks in the top seven per cent for interceptions compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues, evincing his terrific anticipation.
Further, he sits in the top 26 per cent for progressive carries, amplifying his ability to play out from the back.
If West Ham do land his signature this summer, he’d be a shrewd acquisition with plenty of room to develop and grow.