A new report from Italy claims West Ham United have the edge over Everton for Napoli’s £36million midfield ace Hirving Lozano.
West Ham and Everton have both been linked with the Mexican as David Moyes and Carlo Ancelotti put their time in lockdown to good use by identifying targets for the next transfer window.
Calcio Mercato claimed last week that the Hammers want to sign the speedy winger.
The 24-year-old joined Napoli from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2019 for around €42 million (£36 million), according to Goal.
Everton battle Hammers for Mexican star
No sooner were West Ham linked than Everton emerged as favourites for his signature (Il Mattino).
But that report was based on the fact Ancelotti was the man who brought Lozano to Napoli last summer.
And if anything that would count against Everton as Lozano barely got a kick under the experienced Italian.
In a new development it seems in actual fact West Ham have the edge over Everton.
That’s because Ancelotti’s old club, now managed by Genarro Gattuso, are desperate to bring West Ham’s Felipe Anderson back to Italy according to Cronache di Napoli newspaper and Football Italia.
West Ham have edge over Toffees
And the reports claim Napoli want to use Lozano as a swap in the deal which would limit any transfer fee on either side.
That may be an ideal scenario for all parties.
Anderson has struggled in his second season after a flying start to his Premier League career with West Ham.
Lozano, a quick, hard-working, energetic midfielder with a great engine, would be ideally suited to the rough and tumble of the English game.
Napoli want to use ‘Chucky’ as makeweight for West Ham’s Anderson – report
“Lozano was a huge investment from PSV Eindhoven this season for but the Mexico international has struggled to break into the starting XI under Carlo Ancelotti or Gennaro Gattuso,” Cronache di Napoli newspaper and Football Italia report.
“He is widely expected to move on this summer, with Everton known to be interested in his services. But a different Premier League club could end up signing Lozano for next season.
“It’s reported Napoli want to use ‘Chucky’ as part of an exchange deal with West Ham United forward Felipe Anderson, who is valued at £40m.”
Lozano fits Moyes’s blueprint for a new-look West Ham.
The Scot wants young, hungry and energetic players to build a more resilient Hammers squad which can start competing for the European spots.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
