Manager admits his ‘incredible’ midfielder Hans Vanaken wants to join West Ham United but says he’d love to keep him.
West Ham boss David Moyes has long been an admirer of Belgian midfield ace Vanaken.
West Ham are said to have seen a bid of £8.5m rejected by Club Brugge for Vanaken this summer with the Belgian outfit holding out for closer to between £12.5-17m (90 Min).
Moyes is desperate to bring in more signings before the transfer window closes.
He is looking for a creative influence in central midfield having allowed Nikola Vlasic to leave.
Reports have suggested that Vanaken is keen for West Ham to make a second offer for him after the London club’s first bid was rejected by Club Brugge.
According to a report from Het Nieuwsblad, 29-year-old wants to join the Hammers and is awaiting a second offer from the East London outfit.
But in the transfer window, it is difficult to know what to believe with claim and counter claim on a an almost hourly basis at times.
The Hammers will be hugely encouraged by news from Belgium today, though, from Club Brugge boss Carl Hoefkens no less.
Because the manager admits his ‘incredible’ midfielder Vanaken wants to join West Ham but says he’d love to keep him.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Hoefkens said “I understand he wants to go to West Ham”.
“If Hans leaves, I have to find solutions, but he is still here, is training well, is in the squad and will play against Kortrijk,” Hoefkens said in his press conference, as quoted by Het Nieuwsblad.
“I absolutely understand that he wants to take the next step (with West Ham). But as a coach I’d love to keep him.
“Of course I understand that Hans is considering the Premier League. That’s very normal.
“As a coach, of course I want him to stay, but it makes sense for a player to consider such an offer. I said I would like to continue working with him. Whether he takes that into account in his choice: that is up to him. Furthermore, that is something between the board and himself.
“Hans is an incredible player who has already done a lot for this club. He also has a big influence on our way of playing football. As long as he’s here, I’ll work with him. He will also be in the selection on Sunday and will play.”
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