West Ham United have opened talks to sign Hertha Berlin midfielder Santiago Ascacibar, according to journalist Adriano Savalli.
The Lowdown: Looking for a new challenge
David Moyes has already been busy in the summer transfer window, having completed the signings of Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola and Flynn Downes, and they donât seem to be the only new additions expected to come through the doors at the London Stadium.
The 25-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract with the German outfit , but has recently been linked with a move away from Sandro Schwarzâs side after admitting that he wants to leave this summer, and a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards.
The Latest: West Ham in talks with Ascacibar
In a tweet by Savalli (relayed via Sport Witness), itâs claimed that West Ham have opened âformal talksâ to sign Ascacibar, with GSB âexpectedâ to submit a written offer âshortlyâ to begin negotiations.
The source claimed that there is also interest from unnamed clubs in both Italy and Spain, with Hertha believed to be âlooking forâ a fee in the region of âŹ12m (ÂŁ10.1m) for the Argentine.
The report mentions that it is currently âunclearâ as to whether or not the Irons would be willing to meet that asking price at this moment in time.
The Verdict: Perfect profile for Moyes
Moyes clearly knows exactly what he wants when it comes to his midfielders, players who like to get stuck in just as Mark Noble did.
However, with the legendary Hammers captain now retired and the futures of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek uncertain, the Scot may need to add to his midfield ranks.
Ascacibar, who was once dubbed Javier Mascheranoâs heir by the former Irons midfielder himself, averaged 3.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per Bundesliga game last season (via WhoScored). That is a testament to his fighting spirit, which is no doubt one of the attributes which may have attracted Moyes.
A prospective outlay of just over ÂŁ10m shouldnât make much of a dent in the clubâs summer budget, and for someone on the market in a position where West Ham could do with reinforcements, they havenât got much to lose.
