OPINION
West Ham are certainly enjoying this summer, and they are making the most of their busy transfer window by targeting yet another player to join forces with them.
This player is Thiago Mendes, a defensive midfielder for Ligue One side Lille – but he is also being admired by Wolfsburg and Lazio.
The club have spent around £100 million to bolster their current squad, who were in need of a revamp after previous manager David Moyes departed the club.
However, the Hammers have not yet tabled an offer for the Brazilian enforcer, which has paved the way for both of their rivals to submit a £15.1 million bid to land the 26-year-old’s services according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
This news will certainly be a setback for boss Manuel Pellegrini, who would have been hoping to bring Mendes to East London to complete his transfer plans.
Every manager suffers a setback such as this one, but there is no reason why West Ham cannot double their efforts and increase upon the offers already made if they are really serious about their interest in Mendes, even if it does result in a bidding war between the trio.
However, the Hammers will be hoping that Lille does not accept these offers, otherwise Pellegrini will have to look elsewhere for an alternative for Mendes, a prospect that would surely displease the supporters.
It is an exciting time to be a West Ham fan, especially when the club are being linked to players of this quality and experience – Mendes is a player who can ensure there is cover on the defence, allowing the more creative players of the pack to go forward and attack.
The Chilean coach will be hoping that the club do not suffer another setback in their pursuit of this player, otherwise they could face the possibility of him moving elsewhere.
