West Ham have had a ‘millionaire offer’ for Fiorentina’s defensive midfielder Milan Badelj rejected, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian media outlet have revealed that while the 29-year-old enforcer’s preference is to remain with the Serie A club, the Hammers along with Aston Villa are continuing to pursue the Croatian whose contract comes to an end in a few weeks time.
And the publication state that Fiorentina have already rejected two offer for the player – a five-time title-winner with Dinamo Zagreb – but the Irons will have the advantage over Villa who failed to earn promotion to the Premier League at the weekend.
Good move for West Ham?
Badelj is exactly the type of player West Ham need and with Cheikhou Kouyate reportedly set to move on this summer after Manuel Pellegrini has decided against keeping hold of the 28-year-old, the Croatian’s arrival would represent an upgrade on the Senegalese international.
Kouyate endured a torrid season as the Hammers have struggled to maintain their Premier League status and the arrival of Badelj would strengthen them in the centre of the park.
This is Futbol verdict: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Although the 36 times capped Croat is out of contract this summer, it is still going to take some convincing to get Badelj in at the London Stadium.
With the player reportedly keen to stay on at Fiorentina, Pellegrini will have to show to him why a move to the Premier League struggler’s would be a step up.
However, we all know that money talks and with the Irons set to splash the cash this summer, Badelj will undoubtedly be tempted by the lure of the English top flight.
This is Futbol verdict: 5/10