West Ham United have been told they must pay at least £22million if they want to land Anderlecht star Leander Dendoncker.
As reported by The Sun, Hammers boss David Moyes is tempted to make a move for the young Belgian powerhouse, with Manchester United also interested.
The newspaper report that club officials are believed to have opened discussions for the 22-year-old, who can operate in both defence and midfield.
Anderlecht, who fell at the first hurdle in this season’s Champions League, have now indicated their willingness to sell their young star if right bid comes in.
As quoted by The Sun, chief executive Herman van Holsbeeck said: “Dendoncker is the centrepiece of our defence. If we let him leave it has to be for a lot of money. We also have to find a replacement for him, even if it is a loan for six months.
“A deal can be done if the interested club puts 25 or 30million euros (£22m-£26.5m) on the table for him. I’ve experienced plenty of difficult transfer windows, but this one is the trickiest of all.”
Good move for West Ham?
Dendoncker would be the perfect January signing for West Ham.
The emerging enforcer is seen as the next big thing in Belgium, a country which is not exactly short of young talent.
His ability to play across the back line and in midfield would mean some serious extra depth for a Hammers squad in need of reinforcements in both areas.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It is doubtful that David Moyes would be allowed to spend this much money on one signing, unless he sanctions the exits of some first-team players.
It is rumoured that Diafra Sakho is on his way out which may raise some funds, and the club’s owners will be aware that this is a signing for the future as well as the now.
That may see the required funds made available, but there will also be the issue of competition.
United have been heavily linked with Dendoncker, as have Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10