Report shares West Ham stance as Leeds make Lanzini enquiry

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Leeds United are amongst the Premier League sides to have shown interest in signing Manuel Lanzini from West Ham during the January transfer window, along with the likes of Aston Villa and Everton, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

Lanzini has gradually forced his way into David Moyes’s side this season. He began the campaign with just two substitute appearances in the Hammers’ first seven games in the Premier League.

TEAMtalk reports that his representatives contacted a number of top-flight rivals. And West Ham had been open to the idea of letting him go.

Leeds, Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle, and Southampton all reportedly showed interest. However, they all look set to be disappointed in their pursuits of the 28-year-old.

TEAMtalk claims that Moyes has decided that he wants to keep Lanzini at the London Stadium. West Ham, of course, are pushing for a top four spot in the Premier League while also preparing for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Leeds may feel particularly disappointed about Manuel Lanzini blow

Few Premier League side appear to need make signings in January more than Leeds. Their squad has been decimated by injuries all over the pitch.

So signing Lanzini – who earns £70,000-a-week – would have been an exciting addition. He has been directly involved in 50 goals in fewer than 180 games for the Irons.

Admittedly, he has probably not been at his best since sustaining a serious injury ahead of the 2018 World Cup. But he is a potential game-changer – hence why so many teams have reportedly showed an interest.

It is a blow for Leeds. But it may also feel like a disappointment for Lanzini, depending on the game-time he enjoys from here.

Lanzini paid tribute to Marcelo Bielsa after West Ham faced Leeds last season. He posted a message on Instagram which translates as: ‘A pleasure to have been able to chat with one of the best technicians.’

So it would be intriguing to know what he made of the reports suggesting that the Whites were keen.