West Ham handed boost to sign £25m-rated Thomas Strakosha – Report
Lazio are willing to part ways with West Ham goalkeeping target Thomas Strakosha this summer.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, there are a number of clubs keen on signing the Albanian shot-stopper.
Strakosha, who was a regular at Lazio, has now lost his position in the first team to Pepe Reina and has played only eight league games this season.
Per Calciomercato, West Ham have been interested in the keeper since January, and will now have to fend off interest from Southampton who are also keen on bringing the Albian to the St. Mary’s for next season.
Reports in Il Messagero have suggested that since January this year, Lazio are looking for potential buyers but they have been put off by the asking rate of £25m – which was specifically put in as Borussia Dortmund showed an interest in the player.
However, the Serie A outfit could be forced to reduce it if no team is able to match their valuation of the player.
A tad expensive
There are no immediate concerns about Lukasz Fabianski’s form or quality, but the West Ham number one is 36 and is expected to have two more seasons under his belt before his body gives way.
Strakosha is 10 years his junior and is undoubtedly seen by the Hammers hierarchy as a long-term prospect.
He has impressed for Lazio in Serie A and could go on to become a success in the Premier League.
That said, the need of the hour this summer is not to sign a goalkeeper. We’ve got a striker, midfielder and defender to sign and if possible, add depth to our full-back positions.
The calibre of player we’re being linked to, now that Europa League qualification is almost in the bag, aren’t coming on the cheap.
It would be wiser to sign players in other positions before shelling out this kind of money on a goalkeeping backup.
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