Could Crystal Palace beat West Ham to Shaqiri and Dendoncker?

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Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly fighting for Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri and Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker.

In the last two summer windows, West Ham United have come under criticism for very different reasons.

Back in 2016, the likes of Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore and Havard Nordveit arrived at the London Stadium and supporters were quick to criticise the club for recruiting cheap, unproven players from abroad.

And then, this season, the Hammers fans were left frustrated again as Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Patrice Evra donned the claret and blue – a number of years after their peak.

West Ham cannot really afford another underwhelming summer. But, if reports are to be believed, there is a chance they could miss out to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the race for two players David Moyes would surely love to sign.

According to Calciomercato, Crystal Palace are rivalling West Ham for the signature of Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri, the former Inter Milan and Bayern Munich winger who has stood out for a Stoke City side who look set to be relegated.

And Belgian publication HLN is now reporting that Palace are set to make a bid for Anderlecht’s midfield powerhouse Leander Dendoncker this summer.

The 22-year-old was heavily linked with West Ham in January but they were unable to complete a deal at the 11th hour due to Anderlecht’s £20 million demands. The Mirror reported that West Ham were expected to renew their interest this summer, however, with Dendoncker exactly the kind of player Moyes wants.

But if Palace can pull off a double deal for two players who would massively enhance West Ham’s squad, the summer could hardly get off to a worse start.