West Ham assistant manager Stuart Pearce flew out to watch key target Leander Dendoncker in action for Anderlecht against Genk, according to a reliable journalist.
Kristof Terreur, a reporter for Belgian newspaper HLN based in London, reported on Twitter on Monday that Pearce was in attendance as Anderlecht secured a vital 1-0 away win over mid-table Genk.
Terreur added that Dendoncker, who can play in both defence and midfield, played as a centre-back for Anderlecht, as the 22-year-old has done for most of this season:
Confirmed. Assistant-manager Stuart Pearce was yesterday in Genk to watch Leander Dendoncker (22/Anderlecht). West Ham target played as a central defender. #whufc #rsca pic.twitter.com/BrXBV23WaY
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) January 22, 2018
Terreur then further reported that Anderlecht are reluctant to sell their starlet this month, but the enforcer is keen on a move abroad and the club have set a £20million asking price for his signature:
Anderlecht are not keen on selling Leander Dendoncker at the moment. Asking price around £20m. Player would like to move abroad, though. #whufc #rsca
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) January 22, 2018
Good move for West Ham?
In one word, yes.
Dendoncker is very highly-rated in Belgium, and he has looked set for a move abroad for a while now.
His versatility will be a great asset for the Hammers if they manage to secure him this month, as he is equally comfortable playing at the back or in midfield.
Both of those areas are in need of reinforcements this month, and to be able to provide that with just one signing would be a masterstroke from David Moyes.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
As reported, Anderlecht understandably seem very reluctant to let Dendoncker go in this window.
But, they seem to have set a price that they would be willing to sell at, and that is a promising sign for West Ham.
If the Hammers do really want Dendoncker, then they must meet the £20million valuation.
How likely that is to happen is unknown, but the club are obviously keen on a deal after Pearce’s scouting mission at the weekend.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10