West Ham United and Everton are battling Juventus and Roma to secure a free transfer for Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria next summer, according to Calciomercato.
Zakaria is out of contract at the end of the term and continues to build a vast market across Europe. Clubs are exploring the terms required for a deal, as the 25-year-old has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s best box-to-box midfielders since joining Die Fohlen in 2017.
He moved to Borussia-Park from BSC Young Boys and has amassed 141 appearances for the club across all competitions. The Swiss technician has also scored 11 goals and eight assists, including two and one respectively so far this season.
Zakaria thrives in shielding the Borussia Monchengladbach defence, as well as charging the pitch to offer support at both ends. He has also provided cover at centre-half on occasion.
Juventus and Jose Mourinho’s Roma now hope to lure the 40-cap international away from Germany and to Italy next year. But West Ham and Everton have joined Liverpool in giving Zakaria a route away from Borussia Monchengladbach and to England.
Recent reports by Gazzetta dello Sport cited Anfield as a likely destination as Zakaria would welcome playing for Jurgen Klopp. Die Fohlen will also consider selling their star midfielder in January for €10m (£8.5m) in order to avoid him leaving Borussia-Park for free next year.
Zakaria agent in Premier League transfer talks, amid West Ham and Everton interest
Zakaria’s agent is holding talks with some Premier League clubs over a move to England, Sky Germany report. But they add Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement over certain clauses for a possible contract, and are willing to sign the Swiss in January as well.
West Ham and Everton could struggle to rival BVB and Juventus – who can offer Zakaria a proven chance to challenge for titles – for a transfer for the Monchengladbach midfielder.
Dortmund also hired Zakaria’s former boss this year with Marco Rose leaving Die Fohlen for their North Rhine-Westphalia rivals. Rose is also a big believer of the £51k-a-week star.
“He is a very complete footballer who still has a lot of development potential,” Rose told Sky Germany last year. “He has incredible dynamics, an understanding of the game and is not yet at the end of his development.”
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