Report: West Ham plot swoop for Slavia Prague midfielder
Throughout this month it has been glaringly obvious that West Ham United are desperate to bolster their options in central midfield.
You can see why, too. Declan Rice and Mark Noble are David Moyes’ first choice duo in the middle of the park, but there’s precious little behind them.
Carlos Sanchez is a past-his-best veteran, while Jack Wilshere is continually injured. Therefore, some fresh blood is sorely needed.
Some welcome news on that front was provided by Football London, who reported on Friday that the Hammers are eying a move for Slavia Prague midfielder Tomas Soucek.
The Czech club value the 24-year-old at around £24million, but the Irons have been told that a deal could be done for around half that amount.
The east London outfit are looking to seal a loan deal until the end of the season, with an option to buy.
The Czech Republic international has 12 goals and three assists in all competitions this campaign.
A move for Genk midfielder Sander Berge is thought to be unlikely this month, while a swoop for Stoke City star Joe Allen would merely be a last resort.
Could Soucek be the central midfielder West Ham need?
His track record is obviously very good, while he experienced Champions League football this season and even scored against Borussia Dortmund.
At 24 years of age he’s got plenty of time to improve, while he appears to be more of a forward-thinking midfielder than Rice, which would work well.
However, it seems that the Hammers are constantly looking to do loan to buy deals, which could end up biting them in the behind.
In other West Ham news, veteran commentator John Motson has torn into the Irons owners for their lack of progress.