Much attention has been given to David Moyes' Red Bull blue print for taking West Ham forward as a club that can genuinely look to upset the established order by challenging for a top six spot on a regular basis and be there ready to pounce should another 'elite' club slip up!
Buying young keen players who will have a proper sell on value is part of the Red Bull template, so David Moyes most recent target doesn't make sense on paper at least, that is because Filip Kostic is 29 years old and turns 30 in November so he is definitely no spring chicken. The marauding Eintrecht Frankfurt left wing back is however coveted by Moyes AND Rob Newman which is why the club has pursued his signature, the fact that he shares the same agent as Gianluca Scamacca is obviously a potential deal clincher.
Aaron Cresswell, the player Kostic would replace is only three years older, but needs must and despite being a loyal servant Cresswell doesn't have the legs to keep up with the total madness of a Premier league season anymore, that is not to say his services aren't required and bearing in mind how many extra games the club is likely to play it will be a case of all hands to the pumps as the team plays Sundays and Thursdays!
A Club insider has hinted that a Friday meeting for West Ham to sign assist king Kostic from Frankfurt has been scheduled with his agent, but any moves for Piotr Zielinski have been dismissed as pure 'agent specualation'.
That is despite reports in Italy from Corriere dello Sport and Football Italia yesterday that claimed West Ham have made two bids for Zielinski and offered up to €36 Million (£30Million) for the Poland midfield ace, which is really close to Napoli’s valuation. It is almost double the original reported offer and suggests the Irons were serious about getting their hands on the 72-capped star, but it appears things have changed.
Kostic is definitely an upgrade compared with Cresswell, although only a few years younger he would make an excellent stop gap until a long term successor can be found and at the price he is available for is surely worth acquiring despite the fact that he would have little or no sell on value. Needs must and must needs, it may not be a perfect solution but it IS a workable one and another important box that can be ticked ahead of the season's opening. - Ed
