West Ham United were previously linked with Nemanja Maksimovic.
According to a report in Valencia-based newspaper Superdeporte, Valencia midfielder Nemanja Maksimovic has been tipped to leave the club this summer with West Ham United a former suitor of the player.
The Hammers had a strong interest in the player under then-manager Slaven Bilic, with reports in the Sunday People claiming the Croatian was keeping tabs on the player following his fine run of form at FC Astana.
Maksimovic ultimately joined Valencia 12 months ago on a five-year deal, but after making just 15 La Liga appearances for the club, he has now been tipped for an exit this summer at a potential bargain price.
Spanish editorial Superdeporte claim Valencia must sell this summer in order to remain in a healthy financial position, and they are seeking around £6 million for the Serbia international despite heavy interest.
Maksimovic is predominantly a holding midfielder and at 23 years of age, he has plenty of potential and ambition to once again play in the Champions League following his stint in Europe with Astana.
West Ham are short on top-quality competition in midfield with Pedro Obiang inconsistent while Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble, due to their age, aren’t expected to be at the club for the long haul.
Maksimovic has drawn comparisons with Nemanja Matic due to his size and playing style, and the 23-year-old can take heart from the fact the Manchester United man’s first stint at a big cub also didn’t go to plan.
The Hammers are looking to build a success long-term future under newly-appointed boss Manuel Pellegrini, and to do so they must target younger players who can come in and develop at the Premier League club.
In today’s financial climate, the 6ft 2inch Maksimovic represents a potential bargain and he’s exactly the sort of player the Hammers should be signing to complement their big-name stellar additions.
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