West Ham-linked Zeno Debast in advanced talks with Sporting over £17m+ move
Sporting CP and Anderlecht are at an advanced stage in negotiations for West Ham-linked Zeno Debast, according to Mais Futebol.
The Portuguese website reported [10 May] that Sporting are preparing a transfer fee between £11.2million and £12.9million, with add-ons taking the total fee as high as £17.2million.
Despite Sporting's confidence about signing the 20-year-old defender, the Hammers have registered their interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese side could have a defining factor in the transfer this summer, having secured Champions League football for the 2024/25 campaign while West Ham are seven points outside the European spots.
Could West Ham United swoop Zeno Debast from Sporting CP this summer?
The young defender is an extremely exciting prospect, having made 93 appearances for Anderlecht since making his debut in 2021 and has already earned six international caps with Belgium.
Defensive additions will be crucial for the Irons this summer, with Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos all being slammed throughout the season for their performances.
With the appointment of Julen Lopetegui, following David Moyes' exit at the end of the season, West Ham will likely need to prepare for a rebuild this summer. Debast would be an intelligent addition.
For a fee as low as £17.2million, including add-ons, the Hammers would be adding a very versatile defender to their backline, who is capable of playing on either side of the centre-back duo.
The 20-year-old can also deputise as a defensive midfielder, which could add much more confidence alongside Edson Alvarez in the middle of the park, especially with Kalvin Phillips set to return to Manchester City at the end of his loan spell.
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