West Ham United have agreed a surprise deal to sign Ajax left back Nicolas Tagliafico ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to De Telegraph in the Netherlands, as they claim the deal has been verbally agreed between the two clubs.
The fee involved is around €12million (£10million), with Ajax willing to let him go before the transfer window slams shut.
There’s a big problem for West Ham though.
They have offered Tagliafico a four-year contract, but the wages on offer were deemed ‘inadequate’ by Tagliafico and his representatives.
Tagliafico and co are now waiting for an improved offer, with the left back ultimately hoping for a deal to be done in time for the cut-off.
West Ham already have a left back in Aaron Cresswell, and even a backup in Arthur Masuaku, with the latter expected to be back available again after the international break.
Tagliafico possesses outstanding quality though, racking up 13 gaols and 19 assists in 141 outings since joining Ajax from Independiente.
The Argentina international turns 29 tomorrow, meaning a move to West Ham could be something of a birthday present for him.
The left back has not only won two league titles with Ajax, but also Copa America with Argentina and now wants a new challenge in England.
Compared to Javier Zanetti with his ‘lung-busting stamina’ and ‘excellent technique’, Tagliafico could join Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic in being exciting additions before the deadline for West Ham.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
