Hammers make first offer for big target

C&H Exclusive by Dave Langton

West Ham have made their first official bid for Eintracht Frankfurt star Filip Kostic.

A top-level source at the club has told C&H that an offer has been tabled for the wing-back as David Moyes continues reshaping his squad.

The first offer was worth around £12m, but Frankfurt are holding out for closer to £18m, with Kostic having entered the final year of his contract.

Negotiations between the two clubs are continuing, and the Hammers are hopeful of reaching a compromise and paying around £15m for Kostic.

Gianluca Scamacca has been confirmed as a new signing in addition to Alphonse Areola, Flynn Downes, and Nayef Aguerd.

Kostic is the next big target, with Moyes desperate to bring a new wing-back into the club to provide support and competition to Aaron Cresswell.

The Serbia international was a major player as the club won the Europa League last season, securing qualification to the Champions League as a result.

The Hammers are willing to increase Kostic’s wages and hand him a deal worth closer to £65,000-per-week if he does decide to move to east London.

He will have to be convinced, however, given that Frankfurt are set to play in the Champions League this season.