West Ham are reportedly leading the way to sign CSKA Moscow attacking midfielder Nikola Vlasic.
The Hammers are seeking an alternative to Jesse Lingard as a move for the 28-year-old Manchester United star becomes increasingly unlikely.
Instead, David Moyes could turn to a fellow ex-Everton man, Vlasic, as a backup target.
According to journalist Daniele Longo on Twitter, the Irons have moved to the front of the queue for the 23-year-old.
Twitter:
#WestHam in pole per #Vlasic, contatto previsto in serata con l’agente del nazionale croato. Gli Hammers si stann… https://t.co/lJyefXbUCQ (@86_longo)
Longo claims that ‘contact is planned with the agent’ of the 26-cap ace and that West Ham are ‘getting closer’ to the mooted £25.6million asking price.
Since completing a £14million switch to Russia in 2019 (BBC), Vlasic has been a revelation – directly contributing to 43 goals in 85 Premier Liga outings.
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Valued at £27million and under contract in Moscow until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing the Croatian playmaker for the suggested price would be an incredible piece of business.
Despite struggling first time out in England, the versatile attacker has once again proven his talents and could well be hungry to right some wrongs in the Premier League.
Named CSKA Moscow Player of the Year in 2019/20, Vlasic possesses a host of attributes that would likely challenge the likes of Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen for a starting berth.
