West Ham United 'bid £21m for Rodrigo De Paul' as transfer decision made

West Ham United have made a £21million offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, according to Marca.

The Spanish outlet reported via its website on Tuesday (28 January) that Atletico have already rejected that bid.

Atleti are said to be eager to instead tie De Paul down to a new deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of next season.

West Ham United move for new central midfielder

This is a transfer link that has come seemingly out of the blue. All the recent talk has dominated the Irons' search for a new striker, but other areas of the field also need strengthening.

De Paul is a central midfielder who is able to do a bit of everything, including chipping in with goal involvements as he boasts three goals and three assists in LaLiga this term.

The Argentina international may not turn 31 until the end of May, but he is already vastly experienced having amassed close to 500 career appearances.

With experience in Serie A and LaLiga, De Paul would no doubt bring a quality lacking to the London Stadium.

While reports of a bid being tabled is of course encouraging, Atleti are clearly not considering a sale this window.

However, it is implied that if De Paul does not agree fresh terms before the summer, the Spanish heavyweights' hand may be forced.

The big question now is whether David Sullivan and Co. return with a new offer over the next few days, or instead focus attention elsewhere.

In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling is "really surprised" by transfer talk he has heard regarding the Hammers.

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