West Ham United will hold talks over the future of Manuel Lanzini ahead of the transfer window’s grand re-opening in January after the World Cup.
That is according to insider Dean Jones, who has informed GIVEMESPORT that the club will look to eradicate the question marks surrounding the 29-year-old’s future at the London Stadium.
But, Jones is sceptical as to whether the player will want to remain at West Ham or not, due to finding himself as a bit-part player for the side in domestic competition, which has seen him start just one Premier League game all season.
Asked whether Lanzini could depart the club after being used sparingly in the Premier League, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I guess the question is whether he is happy with that role and that’s probably a different matter.
“One thing playing in the Europa Conference League has done is it’s helped to keep him in form and in condition for when his chances come in the Premier League.
“But I think, before January, the club will have had talks with him and will know whether he’s going to push for a transfer.”
Stick or Twist?
Lanzini has a decision to make regarding his future.
Having made the second most amount of Premier League appearances for the Hammers just last season with 30 outings, the Argentine would not have predicted this kind of drop-off in minutes, not even with the signing of Lucas Paqueta.
But, it appears that the Brazilian has indeed taken his position, and as a result, Moyes has looked to innovate and shape him into a slightly deeper number eight.
His technical ability has allowed him to shine in the heart of the engine room for West Ham in the Europa Conference League, with his efforts helping them to become the first team in the competition to win all six games in their group.
But, this does not change the fact that his contract expires next summer, and at 29 years old, in and around his prime as a player, he will surely want assurances over regular minutes.
If David Moyes cannot guarantee him that, then his future may lie elsewhere.
It seems tough to believe that a player of Lanzini’s calibre would be happy to sit back and play cup competition football whilst playing a bit-part role in the domestic campaign – especially after being a key part of the squad over the last few seasons.
