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Having lost nine players since the final whistle in May at London Stadium , West Ham can ill afford more departures this close to the start of the Championship campaign. Having only brought in Joël Veltman, there are serious holes in the squad still to be filled as it is, so news of another West Ham player going under the microscope at German giants Bayer Leverkusen will be a worry for supporters and management. Under consideration by Leverkusen – HOTY Mavropanos The Hammers had identified Dinos Mavropanos as one of their key players that they sought to retain in the second division, but according to thehardtackle.com that strategy is under threat: “Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Konstantinos Mavropanos, as the Greek defender seeks an exit from relegated West Ham United. West Ham United are bracing for approaches from clubs for key defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, with Sebastien Vidal now reporting Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in the Greek defender. The Hammers are reportedly valuing him at €35 million [about £30 million], which could lead to negotiations with the Bundesliga club, who might look to convince the defender to make a return to the Bundesliga.” The news source then makes the unsubstantiated claim that: “The Greek international harbours ambitions to continue at the top level and has no interest in Championship football, leaving West Ham resigned to his departure. The defender’s current deal runs until 2028, giving West Ham negotiating leverage, though their openness to sell reflects Mavropanos’s determination to exit and his marketability in the Bundesliga.” I suspect very much the opposite is true and West Ham are opposed to selling their current Hammer of the Year. More than likely the club will be doing everything possible behind the scenes to retain his services next season. After Disasi’s departure the Hammers are already threadbare at the back and losing Mavropanos this close to the start of the season would be nothing short of a disaster.