Struggling to get the defensive midfielder they so desperately need, West Ham have turned their attention to Belgium in hope they can get a talented youngster at a smaller price in what is becoming an increasingly crazy market.
Sporting CP’s stance regarding William Carvalho means other options need to be explored, and Het Belang Van Limburg explain the Hammers have asked about Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker.
The 22-year-old, who was a reported target for both Manchester United and Everton over the summer, isn’t expected to depart in January, unless, of course, they are presented with a ‘top prize’.
Het Belang remind everyone this wouldn’t be the first time the two clubs would be conducting business together, having completed the transfer of Cheikhou Kouyaté back in 2014.
Dendoncker, however, would be far more expensive, with the Belgian newspaper suggesting a transfer fee of over €20m would be required to make Anderlecht flinch.
While they state the chances of the young defensive midfielder leaving are ‘so small’, there are some considerations to be taken by Anderlecht, especially since they promised him he could leave for the right price next summer.
Letting Dendoncker go has never been the plan in January, but if the right money comes along, then that could give them breathing room financially in a transfer window where they are also expected to spend.
West Ham’s approach is being taken seriously, with Het Nieuwsblad having it on the front page of their sport section.
