As West Ham were deemed to be in the market for a striker in January, a rather left-field rumour emerged from Italy linking the Hammers with a move for Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
The speculation never came to fruition, with out-of-favour Irons centre-back Fabian Balbuena mooted as a potential makeweight in any deal.
Strakosha has now told Sky Germany that he is ‘open to new challenges’ following transfer links to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old Albania international has fallen down the pecking order behind Pepe Reina at the Stadio Olimpico, making just six Serie A appearances this term.
However, Strakosha did go on to proclaim his happiness at Lazio and his willingness to stay and fight for his place in the Italian capital.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
At the time, the links to a goalkeeper signing seemed way off the mark given the strength David Moyes has at his disposal in that department.
However, with both Lukasz Fabianski and third-choice David Martin seemingly reluctant to sign new contracts at the London Stadium, Moyes could require a new stopper this summer.
The Albanian’s openness to seeking pastures new could see West Ham reignite their interest, and given his £18m market value, the Irons could be able to fund a deal with or without Balbuena heading in the opposite direction.
