West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a bargain deal to sign Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Ao Tanaka this summer.
According to a report from Rheinische Post (print edition July 13th, penultimate page), West Ham are battling Fulham to sign Ao Tanaka in the summer transfer window for around €3 million (£2.6 million).
READ ALSO: West Ham linked with shock move to sign 27-year-old from Everton
The East London outfit were linked with a move to sign the 24-year-old just last month.
Hammers manager David Moyes needs to add more bodies to his central midfield ranks at the London Stadium this summer.
The addition of an elite midfielder is an absolute must, but it seems as though Moyes could supplement his engine room with a bargain deal for a very workmanlike player as well…
West Ham could now sign World Cup star Ao Tanaka for absolute bargain £2.4 million deal
Rheinische Post claims that the Hammers are set to go head-to-head with Fulham for the Japanese midfielder’s signature this summer.
Tanaka is a central midfielder but he can also operate in a defensive midfield role or even as a number 10.
The 19-capped Japan International is a highly technical player and he is a really hard worker as well.
Tanaka shone for Japan during the World Cup out in Qatar this winter just gone.
He has energy and athleticism in abundance, although it must be said that he might find it difficult to adapt to the intense nature of Premier League football what with his diminutive stature.
Signing Ao Tanaka would undoubtedly be somewhat of a risk, considering his lack of experience in playing at the very highest level. However, the £2.6 million fee needed to sign him certainly minimises that risk.
I wouldn’t be against West Ham signing Ao Tanaka at all this summer.
READ ALSO:
Shock report claims 30-year-old Manchester United midfielder has drawn attention from West Ham
Major Harvey Barnes twist is great news for West Ham but a hammer blow for Newcastle
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
