Report: West Ham want to sign £17m Europa League colossus likened to Van Dijk, he fancies move

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West Ham United are one of three Premier League teams reportedly eyeing Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai.

This is according to Turkiye Gazetesi, via Sport Witness.

The Hammers are apparently in the race for Szalai alongside Newcastle United and Leicester City.

West Ham’s defence hasn’t been great this season, so David Moyes could well be looking at reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Szalai is reportedly looking to make a move at the end of the season.

The Hungary international has been at Fenerbahce since January 2021, when he joined from Apollon Limassol.

He established himself in the heart of the Super Lig side’s defence alongside Kim Min-jae until the end of last season.

While Kim joined Napoli, Szalai remained at Fener at the request of manager Jorge Jesus.

However, the 24-year-old apparently has the Premier League ‘in his heart’.

And with several suitors, Jesus’ side are aware they will ‘not be able to keep him long’ at the Europa League club.

‘Your ideal modern-day defender’

Szalai would be a good shout for West Ham.

He has plenty of years ahead of him, but also boasts considerable experience at the highest level.

Szalai has 90 Fener appearances under his belt, as well as 31 caps for Hungary.

He has also featured 32 times in European competition.

Szalai’s style of play has been compared to that of Liverpool and Netherlands ace Virgil van Dijk (Foot The Ball).

‘Szalai is your ideal modern-day defender,’ FTB added. ‘Big, strong, tall, and good with his feet.’

And in terms of potential price tag, Sky Sports reported earlier this year that Fener valued him at around £17m.