Cardiff loan midfielder Victor Camarasa has reportedly rejected a permanent stay with the Bluebirds, with West Ham reportedly keen.
The 24-year old midfielder has been on loan with the Premier League side this season from La Liga outfit Real Betis, and has impressed for Neil Warnock’s side.
However, with Cardiff seemingly destined to drop into the Championship come the season’s end, Camarasa could well look for an alternative move to keep him in the top flight.
According to Diario de Sevilla, Cardiff had attempted to tie up a permanent deal for Camarasa in January, however the former Spain youth international chose to wait for ‘better proposals’.
With just five games remaining, Cardiff sit five points away from safety, with 17th place Brighton also having an additional game in hand, making the Welsh club’s position look particularly bleak.
And according to a report from Marca earlier this month, Manuel Pellegrini is interested in doing a deal for the midfielder, as well as Tottenham, Everton and Leicester.
Reasons why West Ham should sign Camarasa
Age
Camarasa is still only 24, and at a young age, he has plenty of room to improve and develop as a player under Manuel Pellegrini’s tutelage.
Goal threat
Mark Noble and Declan Rice have scored three goals and two goals respectively in the Premier League this season, while Camarasa has five for Cardiff.
West Ham could benefit from greater goal contributions from their central midfield options.
Relatively low price
Cardiff’s supposed offer in January was just £13million, which would make Camarasa a very affordable option for West Ham.
With the club also keen to secure a big money move for a forward this summer, doing a deal for Camarasa would also allow for more money to be spent on a forward.
Squad depth
The Hammers have struggled for squad depth in the central midfield area this season.
Jack Wilshere has been unavailable through injury, Carlos Sanchez has on the rare occasion been brought back in from the cold and Samir Nasri was brought to add another option, with his future now uncertain.
Camarasa could increase the club’s options ahead of next campaign.