Free transfer fear for target – report

Filip Kostic may choose to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt this season before moving on a free transfer in the summer, according to a new report.

The London Evening Standard claims that the wing-back will become David Moyes’ next key target once Gianluca Scamacca is signed from Italian club Sassuolo.

The Hammers have been in talks with Frankfurt over a deal to sign Kostic, and they have indicated a willingness to meet the £12.75m asking price that the German club have set.

It is said, though, that Kostic may instead choose to remain at the Bundesliga club for another season before his contract expires, when he could move on a lucrative free transfer.

Frankfurt, of course, won the Europa League last season and are subsequently preparing for a season in the Champions League; Kostic remains a key part of the club’s starting XI.

The Irons clearly face an uphill battle to convince him to make the move to the London Stadium.