West Ham could now sign ‘special’ talent, just 10 months after he said he’d consider joining Newcastle – Sky

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West Ham United have had an opening bid for Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken rejected.

According to Sky Sports News today, the midfielder is now open to a move to the Premier League, and West Ham are expected to bid for him again: “Club Brugge have rejected West Ham United’s opening offer for the midfielder Hans Vanaken.

“The bid is thought to be in the region of about €10m (£8.4m).

“West Ham were expected to go back with an improved offer, there’s growing belief that the player wants to play in the Premier League.”

The Belgian international was linked with Newcastle in November last year, and said he would ‘carefully’ consider a move to St. James’ Park at that time.

However, it’s David Moyes’ side who appear to be leading the way to bring in the midfielder this summer.

West Ham have opening bid for Vanaken rejected

Vanaken has been a long-term transfer target for West Ham, who also looked at him last summer as well.

At 29, Vanaken would very much be a signing for the present for West Ham.

The attacking midfielder is highly effective in the final third, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists in the league last season, identical numbers to Michail Antonio.

Vanaken would also be one of the tallest players in the squad at 6ft 5in, and would make West Ham an even more dangerous side from set pieces.

However, one of Vanaken’s former teammates said in an interview that the ‘special’ thing about him is that he plays with his feet like a man much shorter than that.

West Ham would like to bolster their attacking options before the window shuts, with Ben Brereton Diaz and Hwang Ui-Jo both also linked with a move to the London Stadium.

Vanaken would offer a unique solution to West Ham’s attacking ambitions, and although he reportedly wants a move to the Premier League, asking him to drop down from the Champions League with Club Brugge to the Europa League could prove to be a stumbling block.