West Ham now 'progressing' in move for 145-goal star at London Stadium

West Ham United are ‘progressing’ in their bid to lure Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken to the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Thilo Kehrer became the latest addition to David Moyes’ squad when the central defender made the £10.1million switch from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, but the Hammers boss appears to have turned his attentions towards strengthening further up the pitch.

According to 90min, West Ham’s opening bid of £8.4million fell well short of Club Brugge’s Vanaken valuation and was rejected out of hand.

The report suggests the 21-cap Belgium international’s current employers are seeking at least double that fee, but the Hammers are hopeful of being able to negotiate a deal worth £12.6million with future add-ons.

It is understood that Moyes is a big fan of Vanaken and, as a result, West Ham will resume talks with Club Brugge as they attempt to find a compromise figure.

The east Londoners have also been boosted in their pursuit of the attacking midfielder as he is interested in swapping his homeland for a maiden spell in the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, via West Ham Zone, Club Brugge are set to offer Vanaken a new contract in an attempt to stave off interest ahead of the transfer window’s closure.

Jones understands that West Ham have had a long-term interest in Vanaken and, due to their need to add midfield reinforcements, they are looking to pounce.

The transfer insider believes the Hammers’ hopes of landing the 29-year-old have improved as advancements are being made in talks.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Vanaken, from Brugge, is quite an interesting one.

“I got mixed reports on on it initially, but it does seem one that they are progressing.

“They were in for him