"On their list...": Transfer insider drops exciting West Ham claim, fans will love it - opinion

West Ham could make a late window swoop for Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai amid Pete O’Rourke’s transfer claim.

David Moyes will be desperate to make some additions to his squad ahead of the deadline next week, and transfer insider O’Rourke has claimed that Szalai figures prominently on the Hammers’ short-list.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “A talented player and it seems like he’s on the list of quite a few Premier League clubs. Chelsea, Newcastle, and West Ham, I’m sure, will definitely be in there. He’s well on their list.”

Dubbed as “exemplary” and with the “loudest voice in training” by former Fenerbahce boss Emre Belozoglu, Szalai possesses all the raw physical attributes to become a real force in the Premier League.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 4, Szalai boasts an intimidating presence and given how quickly he has hit the ground running at Fenerbahce, West Ham should feel more confident of his ability to adapt to another high-profile move so early in his career.

The centre-back has been a consistent performer for Fenerbahce this season, averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Turkish Super Lig, while his numbers fare just as well when considering his displays in the Europa League – he averages 1.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in the competition.

To put that into context, both his tackling and interception numbers are significantly better than any West Ham centre-back this season in the Premier League.

With the Hammers still seemingly playing a waiting game when it comes to January signings, sealing a deal for the 24-year-old would be a very welcome addition before the end of the window and have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made their “first offer” for this Ligue 1 striker…

Source