West Ham-linked Alex Kral mooted for Irons transfer by ITV commentator live on-air
Premier League clubs are eyeing up a move for Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral and he could end up at West Ham, according to ITV pundit Seb Hutchinson.
Kral, 23, is currently on international duty with the Czech Republic at the European Championships, and he appeared as a substitute during the closing stages of their shock 2-0 win over the Netherlands on Sunday evening.
West Ham have been heavily linked with him this summer, with Irons insider ExWHUemployee confirming on his personal Twitter profile that the two parties had agreed personal terms ahead of his potential signing.
David Moyes has also publicly opened up on his admiration for the player, naming him as one of the “magnificent” seven players to keep an eye on during Euro 2020. [Times]
Speaking during live coverage of Czech Republic versus the Netherlands on Sunday, ITV‘s [27/06/21] Hutchinson discussed English interest in Kral, and mooted a move to the Irons.
“Here’s Kral,” Hutchinson said. “There are clubs in the Premier League with their eye on him. Maybe he’ll link up at West Ham, who knows.”
Co-commentator Ally McCoist replied: “They’ve certainly had a bit of success with the other two, haven’t they?”
Time to prove himself
One of the most recent updates on Kral’s potential move to east London was delivered by The Athletic, who reported last week [24/06/21] that “there is every chance West Ham will turn their attention to other targets”, after his underwhelming start to Euro 2020.
Kral started the Czech Republic’s first group game against Scotland alongside Irons fan favourites Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, but he has been restricted to substitute outings for further fixtures against Croatia, England and the Netherlands.
As such, the hype surrounding his name has dissipated somewhat.
But the fact he is still being trusted to help the team in important scenarios shows he still retains the faith of his national team manager.
Indeed, the player who replaced him during those three games, Tomas Holes, was the hero on Sunday as he played a key role in both goals, striking the opener before providing an assist for Patrik Schick.
Competition is high for Kral in the middle of midfield, with Irons enforcer Soucek taking up the other position, so there is no shame in not starting for the Euro 2020 quarter-finalists.
But their ongoing participation in the competition gives him chance to still mark his mark in the tournament, and that might reignite interest in his services this summer.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have lodged an ‘Important’ bid for this 25-year-old La Liga star.
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