West Ham United have ‘opened formal talks’ for Hertha Berlin midfielder Santiago Ascacíbar.
That’s according to Argentine journalist Adriano Savalli, who says the Hammers are ‘expected’ to send a written offer ‘shortly’ to start negotiations over a deal for the 25-year-old.
West Ham have been busy so far this summer, reinforcing a squad that needed additions after injuries somewhat curtailed their campaign last year.
They’ve already completed a permanent deal for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola while also paying to £9.59m for Swansea’s Flynn Downes and £31.5m for Stade Rennais defender Nayef Aguerd.
They are unlikely to be the only additions, and according to Savalli, Ascacíbar is the next on their list.
He reports that West Ham are expected to send an offer to Hertha Berlin soon to formally start negotiations over the midfielder.
The player also has interest from teams in Spain and Italy, although there are no specific names mentioned, but it is the Hammers who are making their move.
According to Savalli’s information, Hertha Berlin are ‘looking for’ €12m for their man. It’s unclear if West Ham would be willing to pay that figure at this moment in time.
The interest is there, though, so this may be one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks, particularly if formal talks have now been opened.
🚨🚨 EXCL: West Ham 🏴 inició conversaciones formales por Santiago Ascacíbar.
▪️ Se espera que envíe una oferta escrita en breve para empezar las negociaciones.
▪️ También interesa en equipos de España 🇪🇸 e Italia 🇮🇹.
▪️ Hertha Berlin 🇩🇪, en principio, pretende €12.000.000. pic.twitter.com/T50zPsoxtc— Adriano Savalli (@AdrianoSavalli) July 7, 2022
