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West Ham hope to make Manuel Lanzini a permanent Hammer by February or March, according to Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old is currently impressing on a season-long loan from Al Jazira Club in the United Arab Emirates and has become a key player in Slaven Bilic’s team.

And West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has admitted the club plans to take up the option to sing Lanzini permanently early in 2016.

He told Sky Sports: “The contract we have is 100% watertight.

“We have until April to make it permanent but we’ll probably do it before the due date.

“He is a fantastic player and a fantastic man. By February or March, he will be a permanent West Ham player.

“He could be a top, top, top player. He’s already sensational and he could be as good as any player in the world.”

Lanzini arrived in east London as an unknown youngster, but has since become a fan favourite at the Boleyn Ground after a string of stunning performances.

And last week Lanzini told MailOnline that he is hoping to stay at the club and be a part of the move to the Olympic Stadium next summer.

He also admitted that he had a number of offers from other clubs in Europe last summer, but ultimately chose West Ham.

“There were several offers to come to Europe,” he told MailOnline.

“All were sort of loan deals but West Ham was the best for me. It is a well organised club where I can develop as a footballer and a human being.

“The Premier League is fast and dynamic, it suits my game. I am very comfortable here. I hope to be sitting here next season in the dressing room [at the Olympic Stadium..

“When you’re at a club and feeling like you have an important role, you want to stay.”

The Argentine has scored five and assisted three in 14 first team outings for the Hammers.

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