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West Ham interested in the Belgian Soucek

By Henry Tomlinson

BRUGGE, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 11: Hans Vanaken of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Club Brugge KV and Real Madrid at Jan Breydel Stadium on December 11, 2019 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BRUGGE, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 11: Hans Vanaken of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Club Brugge KV and Real Madrid at Jan Breydel Stadium on December 11, 2019 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have under a week if they are going to make any new signings in this window and it is rumoured they are interested in Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken.

David Moyes is desperate to bring in reinforcements to the team’s defence. West Ham are currently interested in Juventus’ Daniele Rugani, Napoli’s Nikola Maksimović and Bayern Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.

As well as strengthening the defence, the Hammers midfield could do with an extra body to help with rotation and provide strength in depth. This is where Hans Vanaken could be a very enticing option for the club.

The Belgian midfielder has previously been close to a move to the Premier League, but no such movement has occurred. Now the Sun is reporting that West Ham could be interested in finally making that move. The report suggested that Vanaken would be willing to jump at the prospect of playing in the Premier League is a dream of the Belgian midfielder.

Club’s Hans Vanaken and Charleroi’s Marco Ilaimaharitra fight for the ball during a soccer match between Sporting Charleroi and Club Brugge KV, Wednesday 29 January 2020 in Charleroi, a postponed game of day 5 of the ‘Jupiler Pro League’ Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. The game was originally programmed for 25 August, but moved to offer Club Brugge extra preparation time for the Champions League qualifications. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Club’s Hans Vanaken and Charleroi’s Marco Ilaimaharitra fight for the ball during a soccer match between Sporting Charleroi and Club Brugge KV, Wednesday 29 January 2020 in Charleroi, a postponed game of day 5 of the ‘Jupiler Pro League’ Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. The game was originally programmed for 25 August, but moved to offer Club Brugge extra preparation time for the Champions League qualifications. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) /

Vanaken has the same build as current Hammer Tomas Soucek, standing at 6ft 4in. The midfielder also has a similar skill set to that of the Czech. The 28-year-old breaks into the box with his late runs and use his ariel ability to devasting effect.

During his time at Club, Brugge Vanaken has played 239 games and has contributed towards 130 goals. The five-time international has scored 74 goals and provided 56 assists, and he has continued this form into this season. Vanaken has already notched four goals and two assists in only seven games.

The Hammers do have a relatively strong midfield but lack quality in depth centrally. Declan Rice and Soucek are set in the starting eleven, but pickings come slim after those two. Mark Noble is 33-years-old and could be retiring soon, whereas Jack Wilshere can’t be relied on for too long before another injury occurs.

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The other option Manuel Lanzini has proved inconsistent since his horrific injury two years ago. Vanaken could be a good alternative and option for Moyes should he be signed. Currently valued at £10.8 million on transfermarkt.com he would not break the bank either.

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