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Reports claiming that Konstantinos Mavropanos is ‘set to leave’ West Ham United – with Borussia Dortmund among those interested – hit the Premier League battlers like a steam train on Friday lunchtime.
And while Nuno Espirito Santo sought to play down speculation surrounding the in-form centre-half, his reluctance to offer many long-term assurances may shiver the proverbial timbers.
Konstantinos Mavropanos is under contract at West Ham United until 2028.
How much should West Ham demand for Mavropanos?
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
However, according to exclusive information from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the former Arsenal and Stuttgart giant has his heart set on a fresh challenge in his 29th year. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen to bring Mavropanos back to the Bundesliga.
Dortmund eye West Ham United’s Dinos Mavropanos as Niklas Sule leaves
Dortmund are yet to comment on the situation.
But what managing director Lars Ricken told BILD last month, with regards to Niklas Sule’s future at the Signal Iduna Park, will not ease any East London nerves.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Dortmund have already confirmed that Sule, the experienced German international formerly of Bayern Munich, will leave when his contract expires in July. The team sitting second in the Bundesliga are therefore in pursuit of a replacement.
“In defence, Niklas Sule is leaving us, and Emre Can is out for longer [due to an ACL injury],” admitted Ricken. “In that respect, we are having thoughts [about signing a centre-half].”
The man who scored the winner against Juventus in the 1997 Champions League final was also at pains to point out that Dortmund are willing to go above and beyond for targets they deem the ideal acquisition.
Bundesliga giants have the financial firepower and the motive
Plettnberg says that Mavropanos’ price-tag is expected to be ‘very high’. West Ham, remember, are under no immediate pressure to cash in due to his contract situation.
But if Dortmund feel that Mavropanos is the perfect Sule successor – a proven Bundesliga talent who brings both aerial power and a fine passing range – Dortmund are unlikely to take ‘no’ for an answer.
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“One thing I would like to emphasise; if you find an exceptional player who fits the profile perfectly, then such a transfer has rarely been rejected by the management, even if it was slightly over the budget,” Ricken added.
“For top players who fit us perfectly, we would certainly also find creative solutions. [We need] speed, courage, and aggressiveness.”
Mavropanos will turn 29 in December. This may be his last chance to establish himself at the very highest level of the European game. Due to their superior goal difference, Dortmund can all-but wrap up Champions League qualification if they beat Vladimir Coufal’s Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Other centre-halves linked with Die Schwarzgelben include Rennes’ Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, and Joane Gadou of Red Bull Salzburg.
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