West Ham United are interested in Koln midfielder Salih Ozcan as David Moyes eyes quality additions to his squad.
According to SportBild (h/t Sport Witness), West Ham United are keen on signing Salih Ozcan and could plot a summer move for the Turkish midfielder. Koln are hopeful of retaining the player and they could extend his contract if the Bundesliga side secure European qualification.
It has been a testing season for David Moyes to operate with a modest squad and compete in multiple competitions. West Ham have somehow manoeuvred across all those contests, but the need to strengthen the team has increased heading into the summer.
Moyes is keen on bolstering his squad in multiple positions, with central midfield thought as one of the most important ones. Moyes had to juggle with very few options in the central areas, although the manager has been fortunate to have the likes of Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, and Mark Noble fit throughout the season.
But Noble will be retiring at the end of the ongoing campaign, while Alex Kral will not be signed permanently after a poor loan spell. So, much like their need for a striker, a new central midfielder is also equally necessary for West Ham United.
There are few names mentioned like Atletico Madrid star Geoffrey Kondogbia, although the French star might look to stay put or join a club playing in the Champions League next season. Thiago Mendes, who could be available from Lyon in the summer is also linked. Now, Salih Ozcan has become the latest name added to the shortlist as the Hammers continue to explore their options.
The Hammers already have their first choice midfielders established at the club in Soucek and Rice. Any addition would replace Noble and become a high-quality squad option that could help the Hammers manoeuvre through various competitions and add depth.
Ozcan could be considered for such a role, despite his importance in the Koln squad. The Bundesliga side are hoping to extend his contract beyond 2023. Their idea is to keep the Turkish star if they qualify for Europe next season.
But West Ham, who have been keeping tabs on Ozcan for quite a while now, could plot a cut-price move for the Turkish star, who also has tremendous interest coming from his homeland. Signing for the Premier League club has its advantages, putting the Hammers in pole position for the 24-year-old.
