West Ham are now preparing to ‘follow up’ interest in left-sided centre-back Attila Szalai.
That’s according to ExWHUemployee who has provided an update on the club’s transfer plans on The West Ham Way Patreon account.
Szalai is a 24-year-old Hungarian international currently plying his trade in Turkey with Fenerbahce who has apparently been on the Hammers’ radar for a while now after Dharmesh Sheth revealed the club were interested in the defender back in January.
The Irons are thought to be seeking a left-back with Aaron Cresswell entering the twilight of his career (The Times) and despite closing in on Maxwel Cornet it appears that Szalai could be the successor to the left-sided berth.
Ex said: ‘Club prepared to follow up initial interest in Hungarian left sided centre back and a player who can play left back, Attila Szalai and see if a reasonable fee can be agreed with Turkish side Fenerbahce. ‘
TIF Thoughts on Szalai and West Ham…
Will West Ham improve on last season?
Yes
No
As the east London club look to move on from Filip Kostic it seems as if they now have the 27-cap Hungary ace in their crosshairs.
Predominantly a central defender, Szalai, who has been compared to Virgil van Dijk, has played at left-back during his career and while he could replace Cresswell he could also be another useful target for the Englishman from set-pieces having scored eight goals in the last three seasons including in a Champions League qualifier just last month.
Now valued at just below his career peak at £10.8m (Transfermarkt) it will be interesting to see what sort of fee his Turkish employers command but he could certainly prove a useful signing for David Moyes especially with Nayef Aguerd sidelined.