West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
According to The Sun, Premier League side West Ham United are keen to land Serie A star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Serie A club Lazio in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Serbian international has been one of Lazio’s top stars in recent years and is among the standout performers in the Italian top flight. A central midfielder who can also do a job on the right, the 27-year-old is a consistent performer in the prime of his career.
With four goals and eight assists in 22 Serie A games, Milinkovic-Savic is contributing to Lazio’s push for a UEFA Champions League spot this season. The Rome-based side got the better of Salernitana, aiding their fight for the fourth spot vs arch-rivals AS Roma.
His performances have often seen some of England’s top sides keep tabs. Manchester United were heavily linked with the player. But a move never materialised. London side, West Ham United have now thrown their name into the hat.
The Hammers look likely to lose Declan Rice in the summer. And losing the Englishman would leave a major gap in their midfield. It is imperative that West Ham plug this deficiency as quickly as possible and in Milinkovic-Savic, could land the ideal replacement.
David Moyes deputed Alan Irvine to keep close tabs on the Serb. And if he continues to perform to his best, a move could materialise once the window opens. Milinkovic-Savic’s contract expires in 2024, handing West Ham leverage when it comes to negotiations.
While on paper, the 27-year-old would be a brilliant addition, it is debatable if he will want to move to the London Stadium. Lazio look likely to qualify for the Champions League, while West Ham could finish in the lower half of the Premier League standings following a poor start to the campaign.
Joining the Hammers would admittedly be a step down for the Serb, especially in the prime of his career. Should Moyes and co. get their man, it can be considered a coup for them. A truly world-class player, he will more or less neutralise the loss of a behemoth such as Rice.
The Hammers are also keeping an eye closer to home with Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips in their sights. The Englishman has failed to impress since moving to The Etihad. And it remains to be seen if the Premier League champions will be willing to cut their losses.
Westham will be relegated this season under Moyes and so no one of quality will be interested in Championship football .