West Ham United could opt to sign Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow as an alternative to Jesse Lingard, who could remain at Manchester United.
According to Russian outlet Eurostavka, West Ham United could make a move for Nikola Vlasic in the coming days from CSKA Moscow. The Croat is an alternative to Jesse Lingard, who could remain at Manchester United this season. The Hammers are prepared to offer €23 million for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Nikola Vlasic could be viewed as a similar player to Jesse Lingard by David Moyes, as West Ham remain eager to add an attacking option to their squad. The Hammers sit on top of the Premier League table after two matchdays, and Moyes is desperate to add an attacking midfielder before the transfer window closes.
West Ham would have loved to sign Lingard permanently, but a move was uncertain right at the start of the transfer period. While Moyes remained hopeful of convincing Manchester United to sell the England international, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly convinced Lingard that he remains in the Norwegian’s plans for the season.
Lingard joined the Hammers in January on loan and had a sensational time scoring nine goals and providing five assists. His form helped West Ham finish sixth on the Premier League table and seal a Europa League berth. As much as Moyes would have been ready to pay Manchester United’s asking price, a deal was always difficult.
Moyes is desperate to find a solution for that role and has a few names on his mind, with Vlasic one of them. The Croatian international had one of his best domestic seasons to date last term. For CSKA, he scored 11 goals and provided five assists, posting very similar numbers to Lingard.
It goes on to show that Moyes is specifically targeting an attacking talent able to boast decent numbers. West Ham also recently targeted Jonathan Bamba as an alternative, and the Lille star remains an option. As of now, West Ham might have Vlasic in their sights and could be open to making an offer.
As per the report, West Ham are willing to pay €23 million for Vlasic. The Croat has three years left on his current deal, and it might suggest CSKA Moscow may not be in a hurry to sell. However, due to market conditions, if the Hammers can negotiate a price near the Russian club’s demand, a move could become a possibility.
Vlasic could be a good addition to Moyes’ setup. The manager has shown tendencies to quickly develop talents from other leagues, as seen with Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek last season. Either way, Vlasic would add great value to an already dangerous-looking West Ham side and it remains to be seen if the Hammers’ €23 million bid does the trick.
