West Ham United transfer news as Lazar Samardzic hijack on cards
West Ham are ready to hijack Inter Milan’s transfer for Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported on its website on Thursday (10 August) that David Moyes’ side is aiming to beat the Italian giants to the signature of the 21-year-old who has been dubbed one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
Despite Inter’s deal with Samardzic getting closer, there still hasn’t been an agreement between the club and the midfielder on personal terms, leaving the Hammers an opportunity to strike and steal his services for the upcoming campaign.
Discussing West Ham’s interest in the midfielder, David Kent wrote: “Talks with Samardzic and Inter are expected to continue on Friday and the Hammers are waiting for news before deciding whether to formalise their interest. Samardzic would cost in the region of £22million.
“West Ham are fighting to keep hold of Lucas Paqueta, who is a target for Manchester City. Samardzic could help soften the blow of Paqueta’s departure. Brazil International Paqueta wants to join City this summer which leaves West Ham in a difficult situation.”
Soften the blow
The Hammers are going to need a more attacking element to their midfield for the upcoming season if Paqueta leaves and while Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse look to be joining the ranks, neither are an out-and-out attacking midfielder.
Whether or not the Irons can beat Inter Milan on personal terms remains to be seen, but with the recent injection of cash at the London Stadium they should be able to match anything offered by the Nerazzurri, other than Champions League football.
The Premier League can be as attractive to some players as European competitions and the guarantee of being the main man in East London may be enough to persuade him to move to England rather than remaining in Italy.
Moyes doesn’t want the Hammers to just be avoiding Premier League relegation and that’s why he has looked for genuine quality editions throughout this transfer window, but the Serbian midfielder also fits technical director Tim Steidten’s ambition to recruit young players.
This one could move quickly over the next couple of days.
In other West Ham news, there is a chance that Harry Maguire may decide to remain at Old Trafford this summer