West Ham United are desperate for a left-back and one of their former targets is surprisingly available again.
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According to a host of reports from FC Inter News, La Gazetta Dello Sport and talkSPORT West Ham made a serious move to sign Inter Milan outcast Ivan Perisic last summer.
The Croatian star, who can operate at left-back and on the left wing – two positions West Ham are now short in particularly after the sale of Grady Diangana – signed on loan for Bayern Munich instead.
Perisic back on the market after Bayern’s shock decision
While West Ham were battling relegation, Perisic scored eight goals and provided 10 assists as Bayern stormed to a superb treble.
But Perisic, who turns 32 this season, is once again available after Bayern elected not to make his move permanent (FC Bayern).
It is understood Bayern had the option to extend his loan deal or sign him for around £15million.
Instead the former West Ham target is heading back to Inter Milan where he does not have a future under Anontio Conte.
That could open the door for West Ham to bring Perisic to the Premier League on loan.
West Ham wanted Croatian star last summer and should try again
Last summer it was reported the player was keen on a move to London.
It is unlikely West Ham could afford a permanent deal. So a loan deal with a much smaller fee could be an option.
Perisic may not fit David Moyes’s profile of a young player hungry to prove themselves in the Premier League.
But he is super fit, athletic, energetic, fast and possesses a deadly left foot.
Covers two positions and brings next level of quality despite age
He would be an infinitely better option for West Ham than Aaron Cresswell or Arthur Masuaku.
And when needed he could also play as a winger – as he often did for Bayern.
With West Ham trying to save as much of their funds for a new centre back, a loan deal to cover off the left-back position makes sense financially for the club’s unpopular owners.
There won’t be any better pedigree left-backs available of loan than Perisic.
The bad news is there will likely be other clubs interested in a player of his quality.
West Ham will have to act fast to get a deal done before the transfer window closes on October 5th.