Oscar Mingueza offer confirmed amid West Ham transfer speculation: ‘It is true’
West Ham risk losing out on transfer target Oscar Mingueza as Celta Vigo try and retain their star defender.
For the time being, West Ham‘s primary focus is staying in the Premier League, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently 18th in the division.
However, during the January transfer window, they were linked with Celta’s Mingueza. However, in the end, a London Stadium switch did not come to pass.
Now, Estadio Deportivo reports that Celta’s Director of Football, Marco Garces, has put forward a contract proposal for Mingueza, who is set to become a free agent this summer.
In addition to West Ham, Aston Villa, Marseille, Newcastle United, Atalanta, AC Milan, and Como have been credited with interest in Mingueza, but Juventus are said to be leading the way for his signature.
Celta Vigo determined to fend off West Ham for Oscar Mingueza
Garces confirmed that Mingueza, who can play as a full-back and at centre-back, has been offered a new deal by the Spanish side.
Celta sit seventh in La Liga and have a shot at securing European football next season but the aforementioned report suggests that Mingueza, 26, may be tempted by more lucrative offers this summer.
On Tuesday, Garces said: “Mingueza has a renewal offer from us, but it is true that we are going to have a fairly busy summer market and we have already started to solve the next market from this one.”
However, Celta did sign right-back Alvaro Nunez in January, so they do have cover if the former Barcelona man heads for pastures new at the end of the season.
Deportivo add that Celta rejected a £3.5million bid from Juventus for Mingueza last month and that interest is unlikely to dissipate this summer when no transfer fee is needed.
He is one of many players who could be a tempting free transfer in the coming months. Whether West Ham sign him, though, remains to be seen.
Will West Ham’s current squad keep them in the Premier League?
Before West Ham can think about making signings for the next Premier League season, they need to focus on maintaining their top-flight status.
The Hammers looked down and out just a few weeks ago, but a run of three wins in their last five games have lifted them to within two points of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
West Ham looked set to draw level with Sean Dyche’s side on Tuesday night, only for a last-gasp Manchester United equaliser from Benjamin Sesko.
After West Ham take on Burton Albion in round four of the FA Cup on Saturday, they return to Premier League action on 21 February against in-form Bournemouth.
Even if they don’t win that game, they have given themselves a chance of beating the drop and their good form has led to the likes of Tottenham and Brighton getting sucked back into a scrap at the bottom. An intriguing battle is on our hands.
For more news and stories about West Ham, visit Football Insider and have a look at their in-depth articles.