The Hamburg midfielder is reportedly wanted by Newcastle United, but West Ham United should gatecrash the party.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is under immense pressure to secure some top-class signings this summer, as he looks to make amends for last year’s shambolic player recruitment drive.
One area where the Croatian will be looking to improve is his central midfield department, after Mark Noble’s obvious regression last season became a real concern for the club.
West Ham were not the same team without their 30-year-old captain playing to his usual high standards, and struggled to link play between defence and attack, which ultimately hampered their chances of finishing inside the top 10 of the table.
With this in mind, Bilic should consider signing Hamburg midfielder Lewis Holtby, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, according to the Shields Gazette.
Holtby in action for Hamburg
A report form the Mirror claims that the Bundesliga side are willing to sell the 26-year-old for just £5 million, as he enters the last year of his contract, which would represent fantastic value in today’s market.
The former Tottenham man made 29 league appearances for Hamburg last term, chipping in with a goal and six assists.
Holtby would be the ideal addition to the West Ham squad, and would slot seamlessly into Bilic’s midfield, what with the emphasis the Croatian places on keeping the ball on the ground.
The left-footed play-maker would add balance and a touch of guile to the Hammers’ engine room, and he would certainly improve upon their attacking output in the final third, what with his exceptional vision and keen eye for a killer pass.
Whilst West Ham would certainly not have a clear path to the three-capped Germany international’s signature, what with Newcastle’s interest, they should go above and beyond to sign him, acting on the notion that he could finally realise his full potential in the Premier League, and become a real top tier performer.
Lewis Holtby in action during his Spurs days
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