Gonzalo Montiel has asked Argentina team-mate Manuel Lanzini about life at the London Stadium with West Ham United set to step up their interest in the River Plate right-back, according to Ole.
It is no secret that the Hammers to sign a Copa Libertadores-winning defender this summer.
After all, their interest has public domain for quite some time now.
Montiel’s agent has spoken openly about a potential move to the English capital on multiple occasions and, in conversation with TNT Sports last month, he admitted that West Ham ‘made an offer in January and will also make one’ in the summer.
The 23-year-old has an £18 million release clause in his contract but could be sold for around half that fee, with River under pressure to raise funds during a period of ongoing financial uncertainty.
And, according to Ole, Montiel has approached Lanzini, West Ham’s long-serving playmaker, to enquire about how life is treating him under David Moyes.
This comes a matter of weeks after Lanzini himself suggested that a move to the London Stadium would suit his fellow Albiceleste star down to the ground.
“I think Montiel would fit in well at West Ham,” said Lanzini, in quotes translated by Ole.
“I know they looked at him and couldn’t bring him in (during January).”
There is an acceptance on both sides of the coin that Montiel will only be wearing claret and blue next season if Moyes can guide West Ham away from the Premier League’s relegation zone.
And, having picked up four points from a possible six against Chelsea and Newcastle this week, the Hammers can start preparing for another season in the top flight.
Montiel is due to become a free-agent in 2021 with his contract situation driving down a price-tag even further.
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