West Ham United are now racing to sign a "special" centre-back, who's been a key part of the best defence in Europe this season, according to a report.
West Ham keen on new defenders
Graham Potter is keen to upgrade his defensive options in his first summer transfer window since taking over as West Ham boss, with the manager looking at new additions at both full-back and centre-back.
Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters, who looks set to leave the Saints this summer, has recently emerged as a key target for Potter, with the Hammers able to sign the Englishman on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.
Genoa's Koni de Winter is also under consideration, with the Irons making contact to discuss a potential deal for the centre-back, but there could be stiff competition for the 22-year-old's signature, given that Manchester United are also interested.
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Graham Potter has laid out his transfer plans at West Ham.
Potter's side have struggled at the back at times this season, shipping the second-highest number of goals of any club outside the Premier League relegation zone, and a new target who could help rectify their defensive issues has now entered the frame.
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), West Ham are now in the race to sign Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having conducted scouting missions to assess the 22-year-old twice in recent weeks.
Burnley's Maxime Esteve celebrates after the match
If the Clarets fail to win promotion from the Championship, the Hammers could attempt to lure Esteve away from Turf Moor, but there may be competition for his signature, with Serie A giants AC Milan and Premier League rivals Everton also in the race.
West Ham United's upcoming Premier League fixtures Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) April 1st
AFC Bournemouth (h) April 5th
Liverpool (a) April 13th
Southampton (h) April 19th
Brighton & Hove Albion (a) April 26th
Burnley turned down a £20m offer from Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day, having set an asking price of £30m, although their demands could feasibly rise ahead of the summer, particularly if Esteve's solid performances continue.
"Special" Esteve has been integral to Burnley's success
The Championship promotion-hopefuls are in a good position to immediately return to the Premier League, and the Frenchman has been one of their key players, featuring in all 38 of their second-tier matches this season.
Burnley's defence has emerged as the best in Europe this season, having shipped just 11 league goals, and the centre-back has been a fundamental part of that backline, indicating he could be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League.
Lauded as "special" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the former Montpellier man could be a fantastic signing for West Ham this summer, and they should make sure they are right at the front of the queue for his signature.