West Ham are reportedly “likely” to make a move for Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, but two Premier League giants are also interested.
The January transfer window will hand the Hammers the opportunity to make new signings, should David Moyes feel the need to bolster his squad.
West Ham’s form has stuttered a little of late, with the 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday a disappointing result, and fresh faces could make a difference next month.
While the east Londoners’ midfield looks full of good options at the moment, including Edson Alvarez, Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse, it looks as though another player in that area could be targeted.
According to a new update from InterLive [via Sport Witness], West Ham are keen on signing Calhanoglu in January, but they are not the only Premier League expressing an interest in snapping him up.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the mix to acquire the Turkey international’s signature, and they are “likely” to move for him, along with the Hammers.
Newcastle United also get a mention, although Inter are hesitant to allow Calhanoglu to leave midway through the season, seeing him as a key player. Even an offer of €50m (£42.8m) may not turn their heads, such is his importance to the cause.
The 29-year-old isn’t out of contract at the Serie A giants until the summer of 2027, having only signed an extension earlier this year, so West Ham are highly unlikely to be able to sign him on the cheap.
There is no doubting Calhanoglu’s ability as a footballer, considering he has amassed 82 caps for Turkey, scoring 17 goals in that time, not to mention making a combined 284 appearances for rivals Inter and AC Milan, highlighting his pedigree as a top-level footballer.
At 29, however, West Ham could be looking to sign him at the wrong time in his career, though, especially given the money it would cost, so they may be wise to look at different midfield options who are four or five years younger than him.
Should Calhanoglu move to the London Stadium, it would still be an exciting piece of business, but there would be a risk of him peaking not too long after joining.
