West Ham now 'confident' over deal for 145-goal star at London Stadium

West Ham United are increasingly optimistic that they will sign Hans Vanaken as the Club Brugge captain ‘wants’ to seal a switch to the London Stadium, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers continued their spending spree by completing the £15million acquisition of Emerson Palmieri earlier this week, but boss David Moyes could secure further reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline.

West Ham may have parted with more than £120million to strengthen their squad, but adding Vanaken to Moyes’ options has proved to be difficult.

The Hammers’ opening bid of £8.4million fell short of Club Brugge’s valuation and was rejected earlier this month.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham have failed with a second offer for Vanaken with the transfer deadline fast approaching.

The report suggests an improved £9.2million proposal, which included an extra £1.6million in add-ons, was not enough to tempt Club Brugge into selling the 21-cap Belgium international.

However, the east Londoners have been boosted in their pursuit as Vanaken has publicly admitted that he is keen to link up with Moyes’ side.

Brown believes Vanaken’s performances for Club Brugge have shown that he would be a shrewd signing for West Ham.

The journalist understands the attacking midfielder has set his sights on swapping his homeland for the Premier League and that has resulted in growing optimism behind the scenes at the London Stadium.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “He certainly has all the tools to be a success and he does score in the league that he’s in.

“He also clearly wants to come and I think West Ham are confident they can make that happen.”

Vanaken would undoubtedly be a huge threat in the final third of the pitch, emphasised by the fact he has