According to L’Arena, West Ham have leapfrogged Newcastle in the race to sign Hellas Verona powerhouse Antonin Barak.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems West Ham could be about to add another Czech Republic international to their ranks, at the expense of Newcastle.
L’Arena believe Newcastle were in a strong position in the race for Barak, but they have now slipped behind West Ham.
The Italian news outlet add that a ‘witty’ English scout has come to Italy to watch the 27-year-old regularly on behalf of West Ham.
Hellas Verona have placed a €20m (£17m) valuation on their No.7, who is enjoying a fine campaign in Serie A this season.
Barak has scored five goals in 15 Serie A appearances, while also providing three assists.
L’Arena believe Inter Milan and AC Milan are also interested in the Příbram-born midfielder.
What can Antonin Barak bring to West Ham or Newcastle?
Well, seeing as Barak isn’t exactly a household name, a comparison to a better known player might be of use.
If that is the case, then Barak is a player with many similarities to Tomas Soucek, the first of West Ham’s Czech heroes to arrive, followed by Vladimir Coufal.
Standing at nearly 6ft 3in and with a keen eye for goal, Barak is just like Soucek in the respect that he combines physical power with a fantastic footballing brain, arriving late into the box.
If David Moyes can add Barak to his existing midfield of Declan Rice and Soucek, the Hammers would have a frightening trio in the middle.
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