West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed his interest in signing Besiktas midfielder Atiba Hutchinson this summer.
Bilic worked with the Canadian international during his two seasons in charge of Besiktas and knows him well, he believes he could add some experience to the Hammers’ midfield options.
Speaking with Lig Tv following Turkey’s 1-0 defeat to Bilic’s native Croatia in their first game of Euro 2016, he confirmed he was interested in signing Hutchinson, as well as his Besiktas team-mate Gokhan Tore – via Fotomac.
Only (interested in) Gokhan Tore and Atiba (Hutchinson), not more Beşiktaş players there. If you ask them, yes, I am definitely interested in them. Many things must happen for the transfer to come together. Of course, I’m mostly interested in those players. Many things are written in the Turkish press. Improper Writing also rumored to consist of things. But for me, Gokhan Tore, Atiba and a few Besiktas players are intriguing. I know them well.
The 33-year-old holding midfielder won the league with Besiktas this past season, and had thebest passing-accuracy of any player in the Turkish Super Lig. He can also fill-in at right-back. Bilic has a lot of trust in him and it’s believed a deal for his services is close as he only has one-year to run on his current contract.
Another Besiktas player the Hammers have been linked with is midfielder Oghuzan Ozyakup. The former Arsenal man made just two senior appearances for the Gunners before moving to Turkey where he has established himself in a title-winning side as well at Fatih Terim’s national team.
It appears that Gokhan Tore will join West Ham this summer. The former Chelsea youth star has agreed personal terms with the Hammers who have now agreed a £13m fee for his services. This, plus Bilic’s comments about the player, it’s hard to believe we won’t be seeing him wear the claret and blue next season.
