West Ham United reportedly want to sign Belgian playmaker Hans Vanaken before the summer transfer window closes and are preparing a new bid.
According to a report from Daily Mail, West Ham United have had a bid of around £11 million rejected for experienced Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken, and they are now poised to submit a third bid to secure his services.
The 30-year-old is reportedly keen on sealing a move to the Premier League, and he believes that the chance to join West Ham could be his last opportunity to play in English football.
Vanaken has publicly admitted his desire to leave Brugge this summer, and it remains to be seen whether West Ham can convince the Belgian outfit to part with him. The veteran playmaker is a key player for Club Brugge, and selling him at this stage of the window could be a blow for the Belgian club. They will struggle to bring in a quality replacement with so little time left before the window closes.
“Clearly, there is interest, enough has been written about it,” said Vanaken before continuing, “New talks tomorrow and we’ll see where it ends. I think it could be my last chance and I want to do it.”
Meanwhile, West Ham are thought to be closing in on a deal to sign Lucas Paqueta from Lyon as well. The Brazilian midfielder is highly rated, and it will be interesting to see if he can make an immediate impact in the Premier League now.
Despite the potential arrival of Paqueta, David Moyes remains keen on strengthening his midfield further, and it will be interesting to see if Vanaken joins Paqueta at the London Stadium by the end of the window.
West Ham need to add more quality and depth to their midfield, and the arrivals of Vanaken and Paqueta will help them push for European football next season. The Hammers are lacking in goals and creativity from the centre of the midfield, and Vanaken would be an exceptional acquisition for them. The Belgian playmaker managed to score 15 goals and pick up 12 assists across all competitions last season.
Both midfielders are relatively experienced and they have the technical and physical attributes to thrive in English football. It is not a wise decision to hold a player against his wishes and therefore it is fair to assume that Club Brugge will eventually give in and allow Vanaken to fulfil his wish of playing in the Premier League.
