Football website 90Min claim Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken wants to join West Ham this summer but the Hammers have had an initial offer rejected – although, a follow-up bid is likely to come to the surface soon.
Vanaken, 29, has excelled at Brugge. Joining the club in 2015, the 21-time Belgium international has since clocked up a huge 343 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian champions. In that time, he has scored 101 goals.
Reports this week claim that an offer of £8.5million was tabled by West Ham, but it has been turned down. Brugge have already sold Charles De Ketelare and with Vanaken’s contract running until 2025, they are not in need of money.
Twin that with qualification for the Champions League group stage, Vanaken does not need to be sold. However, 90Min report that Vanaken wants to join West Ham. They are preparing a second offer for the midfielder this summer.
Indeed, the report claims Brugge want a fee of £17million for Vanaken. However, West Ham have confidence that a deal could be done in the region of £12.5million plus future add-ons. A compromise could be made for Vanaken.
Vanaken wants to join West Ham; Brugge want £17m
The Hammers could do with a midfield addition. The club have obviously lost Mark Noble this summer. Alex Kral was on loan, but he has moved to Schalke. So, the Hammers need more depth in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek need cover, especially with the Europa Conference League on the horizon. Bringing in Vanaken would be a top, top signing. Not only does he bring in more depth, but he would surely be first choice.
Yes, he is no spring chicken at 29, but he would instantly improve the Hammers. He would give them European know how. At £17million, or whatever fee they agree with the Belgian champions, it is a bargain.
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