Report: West Ham open talks to sign Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic

By Will Butcher

Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed on his official website that West Ham United have opened talks to sign Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic as David Moyes remains desperate to bring in a centre-back.

Maksimovic, 28, has entered the final 12 months of his Napoli contract after first joining the club on loan in the summer of 2016 – before permanently joining a year later. He has clocked up 73 games for the Serie A side, but has become crucial more recently.

The Serbia international has partnered Kalidou Koulibaly under Gennaro Gattuso and with his confidence improving, he has impressed. But the centre-back has been linked with numerous clubs throughout the summer.

The report states that West Ham have opened talks for the Napoli defender and have tabled an official offer to land the defender – but they are not alone. Indeed, Fulham have also asked Napoli about the centre-back, as the race hots up.

(Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Soccrates/Getty Images)

TBR’s view – Maksimovic would be a stunning West Ham addition

Under Gattuso, Maksimovic has starred. More than comfortable with the ball at his feet and being able to pass both long and short, 6ft 3in Maksimovic is also excellent in the air and being able to read the game.

It remains to be seen how much he would cost the Hammers. The Daily Mail claim Maksimovic – given his current contract situation – could cost interested parties just £14million, and that would make the Serbian an excellent addition.

(Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)