Report: River Plate register interest in West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini
Argentine side River Plate are reportedly keen on signing West Ham attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini in the summer.
According to El Intransigente, West Ham have made their decision to part ways with the 28-year-old, and River Plate are keen to offer him a pathway out of the London Stadium once the transfer window opens.
Lanzini came through the academy at River Plate, and the club representatives are understood to be interested in the player’s services despite his declining playing time over the last few years.
A few years ago, Lanzini was touted by some of the Premier League’s top sides including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but a serious injury sustained in 2018 has since hampered his progress.
Now, with a club realistically in for his services, the Hammers are expected to let go of the 28-year-old. His contract runs out in 2023, meaning River Plate would have to shell out a transfer fee if they are to sign their former player.
Despite his lack of game time, former Premier League striker Darren Bent is understood to be a keen admirer of the player.
“He’s got wonderful feet, he’s got great technique, he’s certainly a top player,” Bent told Football Insider in December. “Hopefully, as I said, they can keep hold of him and get what they need out of him.”
Time to cash in
The Argentine joined the club initially on loan for the 2015/16 season from Al-Jazira, before signing permanently the following summer for a then £10.8m fee.
Transfermarkt now value the player at £9m, which should be enough to tempt the Hammers to allow him to leave this summer.
What could complicate the transfer is the fact that Lanzini signed a new contract in 2019, which would mean their valuation of the player may be higher than what River Plate are willing to pay.
However, the fact that West Ham seem to want to get the player off their books and free up their wage bill, means they could come to a mutual agreement.
Lanzini, who’s only played 15 league games this season, has only started in three of them – which shows just where he is on David Moyes’ pecking order.
With the acquisition of Jesse Lingard on loan, Lanzini’s minutes have further reduced, and if he is to get his career back on track and possibly play for his national team again, a move away from the club would be a wise move.
In other West Ham news, View: Hammers must break the bank to sign ‘Amazing’ £30m-rated ace linked with CL clubs
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