West Ham and London rivals Arsenal are expected to pose the biggest threat to AC Milan in the race to sign Maxim De Cuyper, according to reports in Italy.
The Club Brugge defender caught the eye during the international break, scoring a crucial goal that sparked Belgium’s comeback in their Nations League playoff tie with Ukraine.
The Red Devils were 3-1 down on aggregate 70 minutes into the second leg. However, De Cuyper scored just a minute after coming on as a substitute to make it 1-0 on the night.
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A quick brace from former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku then sealed the dramatic turnaround to help his country secure their status in Group A.
De Cuyper will be available for the right price this summer
The Hammers are said to be contemplating a bid for the fullback at the end of the season, with Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com) reporting that Club Brugge are looking for a fee in the region of €22m (£18m) to €25m (£21m).
With both Arsenal and Milan involved, it is unlikely that De Cuyper will be sold for anything below that valuation.
West Ham are keen to reinforce their options at left-back
Aaron Cresswell is out of contract in June,. He has featured more prominently since the arrival of Graham Potter as head coach but it doesn’t look like the 35-year-old will be given another 12-month extension.
Emerson Palmieri’s future is also in doubt. Potter has selected youngster Oliver Scarles ahead of the Italian recently and there is a feeling that the veteran defender could be offloaded if the right offer arrives.
De Cuyper would, therefore, provide competition for Scarles if the Irons can win the race for the Belgian. Considering the London club were originally linked with the 24-year-old back in February, this transfer rumour may have some legs.
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