West Ham are keen to take Lille right-back Kevin Malcuit on loan, according to France Football.
The French football website reports that the Hammers have made steps towards acquiring the right-sided enforcer on loan, but face competition from Fulham, La Liga side Celta Vigo and Serie A club Inter Milan, who also have Malcuit on their radars.
The Irons are believed to be keen on the 26-year-old, but have not made any firm offers for him, and could return to swoop for him before the transfer window deadline on 9th August.
West Ham were reportedly interested in Malcuit last summer when Saint Etienne put an £8million value on his head, which Lille stumped up.
OPINION
West Ham have been linked to a whole host of players in this transfer window, so it comes to no surprise that this name has cropped up again. Apart from the clubs mentioned, Nottingham Forest were also linked to a swoop for the French defender, but it looks more likely that he will move to a Premier League club or one in Europe. The Hammers needed strengthening in the right-back position, and the addition of Malcuit may solve that problem – he was solid for Lille across his 23 league appearances, with less goals being conceded while he was on the pitch. West Ham need to act imminently to sign Malcuit however, as the other interested parties are not going to go down without a fight. A loan deal for the Frenchman is the most logical option for Pellegrini’s side, as there is always the risk that he may not adjust to life in the Premier League if he joins. Plus, Pellegrini has already spent the Hammers crown jewels.
