West Ham United have been busy on the transfer front in recent weeks, with plenty of speculation linking them with some top targets.
The Hammers have already made one signing this summer, Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme joining the Premier League club from Palmeiras in June.
West Ham are reportedly also closing in on goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and are said to be hopeful of clinching a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman.
According to The Guardian, the Hammers are prioritising a defensive signing before moving on to other positions, such as midfield.
The same report has now claimed that a target who has been likened to Yaya Toure and tipped for an “incredible future” could cost as little as £15million.
West Ham target Ismael Kone valued at £15million
The player in question is Ismael Kone, who plies his trade for Watford and represents Canada on the international stage.
The Guardian have reported that the Hornets value the 22-year-old at £15million, with West Ham among his suitors.
However, the Hammers need to be mindful of Marseille, who are said to be keen on bringing him on board as Roberto De Zerbi’s first signing at the club.
Who is West Ham target Kone?
Ismael Kone is a 22-year-old midfielder who has been with Watford since January 2023, moving from MLS club Montreal for a reported £6.8million.
The 6ft 2in ace has made 63 appearances for the Hornets, registering four goals and four assists. He has also won 19 caps for Canada and played at the 2022 World Cup.
“I have no doubt that Ismael has an incredible future,” new Canada head coach Jesse Marsch recently told The Athletic.
“And I’m just trying to add to who he is, both from a mental perspective and from a tactical perspective.”
Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio told the same outlet: “What I always see is a star in the making. But I think (Kone) is a star now, to be honest.
“He is a kid with an abundance of confidence and a maturity to him that you don’t get much in guys at his age.”
Kone looks like a good shout for West Ham, but they’ll need to hurry and make a move amid reports heavily linking Marseille with his services.
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