Looking for some midfield depth, West Ham have identified Mainz’s Julian Baumgartlinger as a potential signing, according to reports.
West Ham came about the 27-year-old by accident, when top scout Tony Henry was checking out goalkeeper Lorus Karius, a former Manchester City youth player.
Henry came away so impressed by the Austrian, that he recommended him to the club hierarchy as a primary target at the end of the season.
Baumgartlinger would come as a much cheaper option to the on-loan Alex Song – with a deal becoming increasingly difficult to negotiate with parent club Barcelona, as his contract is up at the end of the season.
As for Germany-U21 ‘keeper Lorus Karius, the Hammers would like to bring in a ‘keeper to learn under Adrian, with Jussi Jaaskelainen not expected to be back with the club after this season.
