West Ham in talks to sign Napoli centre-back

West Ham have looked all over for a new centre back and are now in talks to sign Serie A and Napoli defender Nikola Maksimović.

There were rumours that West Ham were in talks to sign fellow Serie A defender Daniele Rugani from Juventus. It now seems that Valencia have yet again beaten the Hammers to a key target, last year it was Maximiliano Gomez. The club has also been linked to Burnley’s James Tarkowski, Swansea City’s Joe Rodon and St Etienne’s Wesley Fofana.

Moves for those defender has seemed to have failed and stalled for one reason or another, however, and the Hammers have switched their attentions to Nikola Maksimović from Napoli. The 28-year-old is on the last year of his contract and could be available for a cut-price fee.

According to football transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano the club have entered into negotiations with Gli Azzurri. David Moyes wants a new central defender to create competition for places in the squad.

Currently, West Ham are playing with three central defenders but have been playing Aaron Cresswell at left-centre-back. With Cresswell playing out of position and Issa Diop presently out of the team with coronavirus reinforcements are needed.

The Serbian international would fit the description of what defender Moyes is looking for. Maksimović is strong in the air, solid defensively and can pick a pass as well as any midfielder which is a bonus.

Maksimović a few years ago was one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe when he was building his reputation at Torino. This form he showed earned him a near €20 million move to Italian giants Napoli. Since the transfer, Maksimović has seen his career trajectory soften.

A move to West Ham could be the fresh start Maksimović needs to revive his career. There is just under a week left in the transfer window, and West Ham will need to get a move on if they are to get the deal for Maksimović across the line.