Ernest Muci exit terms emerge at Besiktas as West Ham United enter transfer race
West Ham United are interested in signing Besiktas attacking midfielder Ernest Muci ahead of the transfer deadline, according to Takvim.
The Turkish outlet reported on Friday (16 August) that the European club are expected to accept a transfer offer of upwards of £11.9million for the Albanian as they look to offload him this summer.
Besiktas have too many foreign players currently on their books as they head into the new season and need to reduce this to comply with the Super Lig’s squad restrictions.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are joined by Aston Villa in holding an interest in Muci who only joined the ranks at the Turkish club in January from Legia Warsaw.
Will Ernest Muci exit Besiktas amid West Ham transfer rumours?
Lopetegui and Tim Steidten have been very busy already this summer as they look to revamp the squad left behind by David Moyes at the London Stadium, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Irons were considering a move for Muci.
The 23-year-old Albanian international has managed to impress in his brief spell at Trabzonspor and would certainly add an extra dimension to the Hammers’ ranks both in attack and as a wide midfielder.
While Muci would provide some cover for Lucas Paqueta, which could be a boost given the uncertainty around his future, West Ham have already spent a lot of money adding to their attacking ranks over the last few months.
Although a nearly £12million fee is a drop in the ocean compared to what was paid for the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Max Kilman, it feels like a lot of money to spend on someone who will likely be a squad player.
If Lopetegui and Steitden are looking to make further additions to their ranks between now and the end of August, it feels as though there are more pressing areas of the field that need strengthening ahead of attacking midfield.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have agreed a seven-figure fee with Manchester City for one attacker to head to the Etihad
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