West Ham United’s ‘interest is genuine’ in Club Brugge attacking midfielder Hans Vanaken, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. The Hammers are expected to make a handful of further additions before the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks following a slow start to the current campaign, with Thilo Kehrer the latest signing this week.
Sky Sports revealed back in 2020 that West Ham had a £13 million bid rejected by Brugge for Vanaken, and it seems as though they have finally revived their interest in him two years later.
The same outlet broke the news that the east London outfit have also had their ‘opening offer’ of the current window turned down but claimed that the Belgium international is eager to make the move. “Club Brugge have rejected West Ham United’s opening offer for the midfielder Hans Vanaken,” Sky Sports reported live on air. “The bid for this one (is) thought to be in the region of about €10 million (£8.4m).” “Growing belief that the player wants to play in the Premier League, but we’re just hearing that has been rejected.” The 29-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract at the Jan Breydel Stadium, and West Ham may have to up their offer considerably if they want to secure his signature.
When asked if Vanaken, who stands at 6 foot 5, sounds like a typical David Moyes signing, Crook informed GiveMeSport that ‘he does’ before disclosing that there is still ‘a bit of work to be done’ on the deal.