West Ham are one of the strongest contenders to sign Hans Vanaken in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Voetbal 24, Hans Vanaken could be on the verge of a move to the Premier League in January. The Club Brugge midfielder is currently one of the most in-demand players in the Belgian market, and West Ham are among the clubs interested in his services.
The report indicates the English outfit are seriously considering the possibility of signing Vanaken in the winter transfer window, as David Moyes grows desperate to bolster his creative options.
It appears West Ham have been tracking the progress of Vanaken for quite some time, with the 29-year-old often touted as one of the best midfielders to play Belgian in the top-flight right now. He offers a wealth of experience, too, having featured in more than 300 competitive matches for Club Brugge since joining them in 2015.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Vanaken has registered 94 goals to his name for Club Brugge while supplying 66 assists. He has won 17 caps with the Belgian national team as well, so it is no wonder why so many clubs are desperate to secure his services next month.
West Ham, for one, are likely considering him as a potential alternative for top target Jesse Lingard. The Manchester United outcast was expected to rejoin the London camp in Janaury a few weeks ago, but the negotiations haven’t advanced further. In addition, Newcastle United are now preparing a fresh move for the playmaker, prompting the Hammers to look for alternatives.
The Londoners have been linked with a move for various talents across Europe, including the highly-experienced Aaron Ramsey. But the Welshman has struggled at Juventus over the past two and a half years. He is also set to demand a hefty salary, which may rule West Ham out of the chase. Hence, Moyes is hoping to get his hands on Vanaken.
The Club Brugge star may not have a stellar pedigree at the highest level of football. But he is enjoying a terrific run of form in Belgium and has proven himself in the past with his performances for the national side. Vanaken offers a lot of tactical flexibility as well, as the 29-year-old can operate in a withdrawn role and even in the wider positions, essentially making him an excellent low-risk investment for the Hammers.
