West Ham have been put on alert by Youri Tielemans’ situation at Leicester and could make a move for him.
The Belgian midfielder is about to enter the final year of his deal and is reportedly unwilling to sign a new contract at the club.
Therefore the 25-year-old could be available for a reduced fee this summer.
West Ham are tempted to make an offer for Youri Tielemans, due to his contract situation, or John McGinn as James Ward-Prowse looks unlikely.
Hammers ITK ExWHUemployee stated on his podcast: “Another interesting midfielder with his situation a bit in the air, but could tempt us to make a move if other clubs don’t soon, is Youri Tielemans of Leicester.
“He was meant to be joining Arsenal, but Arsenal have signed Fabio Vieira, slightly different players and I think they may still be in for Tielemans, but it would be interesting to see if they don’t, what would happen to him because he’s only got a year left on his contract.
“It would be a bargain there to potentially have – keep your eyes on that one.”
Tielemans has been one of the Foxes’ star players in recent seasons and is an all-round box-to-box central midfielder capable of playing inch perfect passes, winning the ball back and chipping in with the odd goal.
Brendan Rodgers’ side reportedly wanted £60million for him last year. Various reports claim £40million is now the asking price with Arsenal reportedly still in pole position to land him.
The news of West Ham wanting Tielemans comes after they were snubbed by Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.
The Saints wanted an eye-watering £70million for him and the player himself is reportedly keen to stay at the club so David Moyes will have to turn his attention to other targets.
John McGinn of Aston Villa is another Premier League midfielder West Ham are interested in.
The reliable Ex has claimed Villa are open to entertaining bids for McGinn, 27, Ex said: “If this is the case, it wouldn’t surprise me if we shifted our attention to him. I know Moyes is keen.”
West Ham are in desperate need for midfield reinforcements with Tomas Soucek’s contract issue yet to be resolved, Alex Kral departing after a disappointing loan spell and club legend Mark Noble retiring.
The budget Moyes has to spend in this transfer window is meant to be sizeable with a further five or six players wanted after the signings of Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola have been confirmed.