West Ham may have a major challenge on their hands this summer as they seek to retain the services of one of their biggest stars, according to the latest reports.
The Liverpool Echo states Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have prioritised a summer move for Hammers starlet Manuel Lanzini, with the Reds preferring the Argentine ace to Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez.
Klopp is expected to move for a versatile attacker after losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January and Lanzini, who has regularly been linked with a move to Anfield, is said to be top of the German manager’s wish-list.
Lanzini has the ability to play in a variety of positions on the pitch and that appeals to Klopp, especially as the South American could look to make a move after a turbulent season in east London.
The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries this season and has seen West Ham fail to impress without him, which may see Lanzini push for a move in order to bolster his international standing following this summer’s World Cup.
