West Ham United are hoping to triumph where Aston Villa failed in the summer by signing midfielder Baptiste Santamaria.
The Hammers are expected to be active in January.
Manuel Pellegrini’s job is on the line after a torrid couple of months during which West Ham have won just twice in 12 games.
That has seen their predicted assault on the European spots dwindle into a battle at the wrong end of the table.
West Ham looking to go one better than Villa
West Ham are reportedly looking to sign four players in January, including at least one central midfielder (Football Insider).
And L’Equipe claims Pellegrini wants Angers star Santamaria, a former France Under 20 international (as also reported by Get French Football News).
Aston Villa tried to sign Santamaria in an £8million deal in the summer (L’Equipe) but failed to get it over the line.
And how Villa could have done with him. The Villains sit in the Premier League relegation zone at Christmas.
French sources claim West Ham face competition
Now West Ham are looking to go one better and get a deal done for the defensive midfielder.
L’Equipe report that Villa remain keen while Everton are also said to be interested.
The 24-year-old is also highly sought after by Italian clubs according to the report.
He is currently at an impasse over a new contract at Angers and West Ham are hoping to take advantage.
Santamaria the right profile of player for Hammers
Santamaria is exactly the kind of player West Ham should be going after.
Young, hungry and with his best years ahead of him, Santamaria could forge a solid partnership with Declan Rice in the heart of the West Ham midfield for years to come.
At around £10million the move would not break the bank either.
The 6ft midfielder has been an ever-present for Angers this season with an average match rating of seven (whoscored.com).
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
