Interest from West Ham United in a transfer for Lazar Samardzic is now tempting Inter Milan to reconsider any move to sign the highly-rated Serbia midfielder from Udinese.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports that Inter Milan could pull a U-turn on any swoop for Samardzic. The Serie A side are having second thoughts after his father and agent issued them fresh demands following West Ham joining the race for the 21-year-old’s move.
Samardzic’s father informed Inter Milan that they must now present better terms with West Ham also interested in his transfer. But his request has had the opposite effect with San Siro chiefs now unexpectantly cooling their chase. Samardzic’s move was previously nearly done.
West Ham’s interest tempts Inter Milan U-turn over Samardzic’s transfer
Inter Milan had already hosted the Berlin-born Serbia international for his medical after they reached an agreement with Udinese. Yet the two-cap talent is now stuck in limbo. His father making the Nerazzurri fresh demands when the move was effectively done risks the transfer.
For now, however, West Ham are still to advance their interest in Samardzic’s transfer from Udinese. The Daily Mail reports that the Irons view the German native as a replacement for Lucas Paqueta amid interest from Manchester City. But they are still only considering a bid.
Samardzic could replace Manchester City target Paqueta in east London
West Ham are keen to enter the race for Samardzic should Paqueta leave as the 21-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in Europe. Udinese are also not against selling the midfielder for offers in the region of £22m. But the Irons want word that he is open to the transfer first.
Samardzic has been at Udinese for the last two years after leaving RB Leipzig in August 2021 for €3m (£2.5m). Die Roten also retained a future sell-on clause after he struggled during his sole season in Saxony. They had bought Samardzic from his academy side, Hertha Berlin.
Former Hertha interim coach, Alexander Nouri, considered Samardzic to be a ‘very exciting’ player whilst together in Berlin. But the 6ft central midfielder only made three appearances in Die Alte Dame’s first-team. He then only played nine games at RB Leipzig during 2020/21.
A transfer to Udinese has seen Samardzic develop his potential and earn interest from West Ham and Inter Milan, though. Through 63 appearances across all competitions, he has seven goals and seven assists. He hit five goals and four assists in 37 Serie A games in 2022/23.
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