West Ham are one of the clubs to have “started negotiations” with the agent of Wilfried Zaha, according to a new update.
The Hammers will be looking for a strong summer in the transfer window, with David Moyes moving on as manager and likely being replaced by former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui.
Assuming the Spaniard is the choice to replace the current West Ham leader at the end of the campaign, he will be keen on bringing in players who can suit his style of play, potentially using funds received for Lucas Paqueta wisely, should the Brazilian complete a move to Manchester City.
According to a new report from Takvim [via Sport Witness], the east Londoners have “started negotiations” with Fenerbahce winger Zaha, as they look to strike a deal for him at the end of the season.
West Ham aren’t alone when it comes to wanting to sign the former Crystal Palace star, however, with Aston Villa also in the mix.
Zaha joined the Turkish giants on a free transfer last season, but could look for a swift return to the Premier League.
This could be an interesting piece of business by West Ham this summer, with the Ivorian still an impressive footballer who can cause defenders nightmares on his day.
Now 31 years of age, Zaha has scored nine goals in 13 Turkish Super Lig starts – 27 appearances in total in the competition – and he also scored and assisted once apiece in the Champions League earlier in the campaign.
Granted, the Ivory Coast international isn’t necessarily at the peak of his powers now, so Lopetegui may not view him as one of the first names on his team sheet in the long-term, but he could be a great squad player for a few years.
Zaha has shown that he can be a force in the Premier League, racking up a tally of 97 goal contributions (68 goals and 29 assists) in 305 appearances during his time at Palace and Manchester United, and the depth that he could add to West Ham’s squad means signing him would be better than deciding against it.
