Strootman confirms Marseille are very keen to offload him, West Ham should act fast

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Netherlands international Kevin Strootman has confirmed that Marseille want to sell him this summer, according to Corriere Dello Sport, via Eurosport.

They report that Marseille want Strootman off their books after just one season at the club as they look to balance the books after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

He said: “The president was very clear with me. He told me that it costs too much and that without Champions League football it is difficult for them to keep me. The message is that they want to get rid of me.

“Marseille must also respect the rules of financial fair play. A return to the Netherlands? For now, I don’t think about it. For sure I wouldn’t want to be loaned; if I have to go, I prefer a definitive solution.”

According to Sky Sports, Strootman cost the Ligue 1 outfit £23 million last summer when he joined from Roma and he has already been offered to Everton, West Ham and Manchester United.

It is the Hammers who have the most acute need for the playmaker, who would add a touch of guile alongside Declan Rice at the heart of midfield at the London Stadium.

But now that Strootman has come out and said he’s definitely on the market, a queue may well form, so the Irons will need to act fast if they want to bring him to east London this summer.