West Ham United on trail of in-demand sensation Javi Guerra as Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle show interest
West Ham are showing interest in sought-after Valencia central midfielder Javi Guerra and have watched him in person recently, according to 90min.
The outlet reported via their website on 21 October that the Hammers were in attendance last month when Spain under-21s took on Scotland and he played 45 minutes.
Guerra has three goals and an assist already in La Liga this term in a series of “superb” performances which have also attracted the attentions of Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal, who watched the same international match in September.
Manchester United have previously been linked, as have Barcelona, and while Valencia have suggested the youngster, who reportedly has a €100million [£86m] release clause, is not in line to be sold he is being “heavily linked” to a move away.
Star of the future?
West Ham certainly seem to be active currently in looking for how to further strengthen the squad after a good end to the summer window.
With David Moyes having got the side off too a strong start to the campaign it looks like an ideal opportunity to add from a position of strength if deals come available in January.
But clearly there is sizeable competition when it comes to Guerra, and if Valencia aren’t currently willing to play ball it would be an expensive proposition in the winter.
Moyes isn’t known for entrusting youngsters with big roles but if the 20-year-old continues his current form in Spain that might not matter.
Central midfield has already seen Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse brought in to fill the gap left by Declan Rice, and a return to form from Tomas Soucek has come at an opportune time.
But with few behind them outside of the unproven Conor Coventry and the un-fancied Flynn Downes this pursuit could be one that Tim Steidten gets involved with in a big way.
In other West Ham news, the Irons can offer an attacking star a huge wage-rise after he ignored an offer from his current club.