West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini is set to ask to leave the club.
‘It’s getting there’ Spaniard has straight choice between West Ham and rivals, could sign soon – report
That’s according to claims from Argentina where he is said to be pushing for a return to his former club River Plate.
Argentine journalist Nicolás Distasio has reported on TNT Sports that the 28-year-old West Ham midfielder wants to wear the “Millionaire” jersey again.
Lanzini set to ask to leave West Ham for River Plate return – report
And he is awaiting a response from David Moyes and the Hammers hierarchy as to whether his wish will be granted.
“Lanzini made it clear that he would like to return to the Millionaire,” Distasio said on TNT Sports.
“The 28-year-old footballer is currently in West Ham (England) and has a contract until June 30, 2023.
“Beyond this intention of Lanzini, there have not yet been meetings or negotiations have started. For now, it is an idea of the player and in River they want to wait to see if that desire is maintained as the days go by.
“(River Plate manager) Marcelo Gallardo would welcome his return due to the possibility of Nicolás De La Cruz being transferred.”
Little jewel is a bit part player at best for West Ham after Moyes hinted at deeper midfield role
Lanzini was a bit part player under Moyes at West Ham last season, playing 17 times. But he showed flashes of getting back to something like his best and is in the running for the goal of the season award.
West Ham’s little jewel had lost its sparkle in recent years since that knee injury while preparing for the last World Cup with Argentina.
There were signs – and an admission from Moyes – that Lanzini might be able to play in a deeper midfield role for West Ham after a man of the match performance covering for Declan Rice in a scintillating win over Burnley.
But Moyes also needs to raise funds for new signings and is interested in central midfielder Alex Kral.
It remains to be seen whether West Ham will grant Lanzini’s wish
Lanzini has scored 21 goals in 138 games for West Ham since signing, initially on loan, in 2015.
He has been part of two of the best West Ham sides of the last 35 years – being a key part of the Farewell Boleyn side alongside Dimitri Payet which set West Ham’s record Premier League points total.
And he was part of last season’s squad which broke that record and secured Europa League group stage football.
It remains to be seen whether West Ham grant Lanzini his wish and will very much depend on what kind of fee the Hammers can get for the 28-year-old.
But it represents a chance for the club to get his £100,000 per week wages off the books too.