Slaven Bilic needs to do some shopping after a disastrous last season. The manager successfully implemented his transfer strategy a couple of transfer windows ago as the Hammers had a superb campaign by finishing seventh in the Premier League table.
But Bilic failed to replicate his strategy last term as his side ended their season by grabbing the 11th position. Having flirted with the relegation for a brief period of the previous season, Bilic will be very keen to plug the gap in some areas and bringing a right-back is one of his priorities.
The Hammers are reportedly weighing their options for St Etienne’s Kevin Malcuit. The right back has earned a vast popularity with his gameplay and it is understood that Bilic is ready to launch a staunch bid for the player.
The French side has made it clear they will only negotiate the player’s situation if a bid of £8m is tabled for him. Lille recently had an offer of £6m turned down so it might take some time for the club to renew their efforts.
Sam Byram had his chance at the London Stadium but the player is yet to settle after an injury-ravaged campaign which saw his game time curtailed heavily. He also needs more time to acclimatise in the side. Alvaro Arbeloa arrived under much hype but the ex-Real Madrid defender had rarely any time on the pitch as he was busy healing his injuries.
Malcuit is a modern day full-back who loves to run. He possesses an excellent pace to drift defenders out of position and can ably cross the ball. Capable of playing in the ‘three-man defence’system where he can be deployed as a more energetic wing back. Added to that, he has a very unusual height for a full back which allows him to add to the ariel abilities of the English side.
Newcastle United have also stepped up their interest in the player. Bilic although has back up in Sam Byram, Benitez desperately needs the service of the player having released Vurnon Anita after the last season. After winning the Championship title, Benitez is very willing to field a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title and as a result, he has identified Malcuit as a possible recruitment.
Malcuit caught the attention in the Europa League match against Manchester United. Despite having a rough patch of time he managed to give a standout performance for his team which hasn’t gone unnoticed. But is he right man for West Ham?
