West Ham United and Everton are two Premier League sides linked with Lazio’s Serie A left-back Lukaku – but The Hammers now reportedly want Joe Bryan.
Felipe Anderson was not the only Lazio player linked with a move to West Ham United this summer.
According to The Mail (live blog, 4.48pm) in June, West Ham had discussed signing the Belgium international left-back Jordan Lukaku in a double-deal with Felipe Anderson. But while the Brazilian winger did seal a club-record move to the London Stadium, Lukaku stayed in Rome.
Since then, the trail has grown cold and it seems that West Ham’s search for a new left-back has taken them to different options. The Mirror (25 July, page 49) claim that Manuel Pellegrini’s side want the £6 million-rated Bristol City ace Joe Bryan.
And reports from Rome itself, via La Lazio Siamo Noi, claim that West Ham are indeed now looking elsewhere. So this could just open the door for Everton to sign the younger brother of their former number 10 Romelu.
Cittaceleste reported earlier in the week that Everton have made a £9 million bid to sign Lukaku Jr. And with a deal for Barcelona’s Lucas Digne (above) proving somewhat problematic, the La Liga champions have rejected £20 million the report adds, Lukaku appears to have emerged as a cheap, yet talented alternative.
Landing Lukaku now might not go down too well with Everton fans given that he is clearly not the first-choice. But should the 23-year-old be required, West Ham’s chase for Bryan appears to leave The Toffees free to conduct the hunt on their own.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
