Clever tactic sees West Ham save money on German star in potential summer deal

A clever West Ham tactic could see them save money on Germany defender Niklas Stark, according to reports.

Stark has made 24 appearances in all competitions for Hertha Berlin this season, scoring on one occasion. He has been with the Bundesliga club since August 2015 but looks set to move on later this year.

Sport Witness provide all the latest, while citing German outlet Kicker. They claim Hertha ‘definitely won’t’ extend the centre-back’s contract as they want to let him go on a free transfer this summer.

Leeds United value Raphinha at £70m putting many teams off

Darwin Nunez doesn’t want to move to Newcastle and prefers London

PSV winger Cody Gakpo rated at £40m wanted by Barca, Bayern and Liverpool

Spurs defender on the move to Leicester or Wolves this summer

Calvert-Lewin set for Arsenal or West Ham switch?

Dybala is wanted by several clubs

Arsenal to miss out on Alexander Isak as Barcelona come calling

Leeds ready to try again for Brenden Aaronson

While that may be a surprising stance, there is a reason behind it. Hertha are planning to lower their wage bill and an exit for Stark is the perfect saving.

West Ham had been in for the two-time Germany international during the January transfer window. David Moyes was in search of reinforcements following injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.

The Irons did not manage to bring Stark to England, but that could happen in the summer anyway.

The defender is weighing up his options after being told he will not get a renewal in Berlin. And West Ham are firmly in the mix to complete a clever deal.

Signing Stark in January would have forced them to spend money on him. Now though, they will be able to land Stark without paying any transfer fee.

While some compensation may be