A player being actively scouted by West Ham United has found himself at the centre of a Declan Rice-esque row.
The Hammers are reportedly tracking rising Dinamo Zagreb star Dani Olmo.
West Ham director of football Mario Husillos heads up the club’s recruitment and alongside Manuel Pellegrini scours Europe for top talent.
He helped West Ham land brilliant young centre back Issa Diop who is looking a snip at £22.5million.
West Ham scouting midfield star Olmo
And according to a recent report by The Mirror the Hammers sent a delegate to watch Dinamo Zagreb teenager Olmo amongst others in a Europa League game before the international break.
There is no doubt about Olmo’s quality.
He has already made over 60 appearances for Dinamo. And so far the attacker has an impressive 12 goals in 62 games. Six of those have come this season and he also has eight assists to his name after moving out wide from a Number 10 role.
He is the reigning player of the season in the Croatian First Football League and finished 11th in Tuttosport’s 2018 ‘Golden Boy’ awards, finishing ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
Target centre of Declan Rice-esque international row
But it remains to be seen whether West Ham would be buying a Spanish or Croatian international.
That’s because like West Ham’s own Declan Rice, the 20-year-old finds himself at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two countries.
Croatia want the Spain Under-21 international to switch his international allegiance, boss Zlatko Dalic has confirmed (Marca).
“We lost the possibility of nationalising (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic and we cannot miss an equal opportunity now with Dani Olmo,” Croatia boss Dalic said, as reported by Marca.
Report claims Dinamo want £20million for Olmo
“Because of the profile of the player, we are losing a great talent. And I am ready to give him every chance.”
It would make little difference to West Ham although getting a future Spain international while he is still young could potentially pay dividends in the future.
According to Marca Dinamo Zagreb want £20million for the star if they are to consider selling this summer.
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