Reports: Mavropanos and Sosa departures draw nearer
Reports from separate media outlets strongly suggest that high-value VfB Stuttgart players Borna Sosa and Konstantinos Mavropanos should be on their way out of the Swabian capital before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
Germany's preeminent footballing publication reports that West Ham United have stepped up efforts to bring VfB Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos back to London. The former Arsenal F.C. professional has long been linked with a move away from Swabia. Kicker reports that the Hammers have been actively recruiting the Greek international and are prepared to offer Stuttgart a fee of €18 million.
The latest news on the status of Croatian fullback Borna Sosa - according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano - is that La Liga side FC Sevilla are in advanced talks to acquire the left-back. Sosa continues to be linked with a host of other clubs. The general consensus in German footballing media report holds that Stuttgart are willing to listen to offers for Sosa in the €15-million-range.
In a recent interview with Germany's Deutsche Presse Agentur, club personnel boss Alexander Wehrle acknowledged that certain players on his roster had lodged transfer requests and that sales under "financially reasonable" conditions would likely be coming. The Swabians also continue to battle attempts by other clubs to acquire Japanese defender Hiroki Ito, who has seen his estimated market worth rise to €10 million after last season.