West Ham set to learn Filip Kostic fate, as wide player holds out for accelerating Juventus despite temptation

West Ham United risk missing out on the signing of Filip Kostic because he prefers Juventus, according to reports in Italy.

Kostic is under consideration by West Ham as they search for a new left wing-back. Originally a winger, the Serbia international has performed in that role for Eintracht Frankfurt. Hence, he would be a wise reinforcement if David Moyes wants to use a system that incorporates wing-backs.

There has been some optimism regarding West Ham getting their man. However, they are not Kostic’s only admirers.

Indeed, the wide player is also on the radar of Juventus. According to Calciomercato, the Serie A side are back in the race to sign him – even if they have some catching up to do with West Ham.

Massimiliano Allegri wants to add a left winger to his squad after identifying it as a problematic position during pre-season. With that in mind, his club have resumed contacts to sign Kostic.

Despite this, the 29-year-old has reached an agreement with West Ham. The club have also had a bid accepted by Frankfurt in the region of €15m (£12.5m).

Before a deal can happen, though, Kostic wants to hold out for Juventus. If they could match West Ham’s offer, he would choose the Italian side.

However, the Evening Standard have said that Kostic is still “tempted” by the idea of playing for West Ham, even if it has been a challenge to convince him so far.

It could be a decisive couple of days to determine where Kostic will be playing his football next season and beyond. His contract with Frankfurt expires next summer, so a transfer either way looks likely.

The fact that West Ham have offloaded Arthur Masuaku may indicate they are confident of at least bringing in a left-sided defender to fill the gap. And if it is to be