West Ham United may have been handed a big chance to sign Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer.
The striker is currently out on loan at Anderlecht, having elected to leave the Bundesliga giants in search of regular playing time.
He’s been a big hit under Vincent Kompany this season, with 15 goals and nine assists in 38 games in all competitions to his name so far.
That’s a tally he is likely to add to before the end of the campaign, and it means he will have to make a decision about his future this summer.
His current contract with Bayern expires in 2023, and so they will have to decide whether to extend his contract or sell him.
BILD now cover that and say the German side are ‘leaning towards’ selling the Dutch U21 international rather than extending his stay in Munich.
That should come as good news for West Ham, who were linked with Zirkzee at the end of February when it was reported his performances had ‘caught the eye’ of David Moyes and his team.
They’re in dire need of competition for Michail Antonio, and Zirkzee would fit the bill, particularly given he is only 20-years-old so has plenty of development left in the tank.
That report stated West Ham would have to pay between €10-12m, a fee that was ‘well within the reach’ for the Hammers.
BILD, though, provide better news, stating that Bayern want to demand at least €5m, but it’s ‘more likely’ they’ll ask for €10m. That’s slightly less than what was reported before and suggests West Ham could start negotiations at €5m.
Zirkzee has also been heavily suggesting he doesn’t want to return to German, or at least Bayern either.
And with the Bundesliga giants open to negotiations, perhaps now is the chance for Moyes to get his man.
