West Ham United have submitted a £4million bid to Sheffield United for midfielder John Fleck.
That is according to Sky Sports who claim the Hammers are keen to conclude a deal for the 27-year-old before the transfer deadline on Thursday.
West Ham have been ravaged by injuries to key players this season, particularly in midfield.
That was evident again as Manuel Pellegrini’s side put in one of the worst performances in the club’s modern history to lose 4-2 at League One basement boys AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup last time out.
West Ham ‘in talks’ for solution to problem position
Jack Wilshere, Manuel Lanzini, Carlos Sanchez and Andriy Yarmolenko are all injured.
So Pellegrini is understandably keen to strengthen in the middle of the park.
According to Sky Sports West Ham are in talks over a deal for Fleck.
The former Rangers star was named the Blades’ player of the year last season. He has three-and-a-half years remaining on his deal at Bramall Lane.
Key cog Fleck could cost West Ham £4million – report
has been a key cog in third-placed Sheffield United’s promotion bid so far this season.
West Ham’s interest in the Scotland Under 21 international also suggests Pellegrini may have ditched his interest in fellow Chilean Gary Medel.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for the ‘Chilean pitbull’ Medel all month.
Sky Sports claim West Ham want the Besiktas midfield enforcer and that director of football Mario Husillos even flew to Turkey to ‘develop negotiations’.
Fleck interest suggests Pellegrini may ditch Medel interest
Sky Sports also reported previously that Pellegrini was ‘keen to get a deal for his compatriot tied up as soon as possible’.
Nothing has come of the interest as yet.
There was a mixed reaction from West Ham fans to the Medel links, read full story here.
The former Cardiff City and Inter Milan midfielder is the wrong side of 30 but has vast experience.
He has won 114 caps for Chile and appeared at the 2014 World Cup after scoring the goal that assured qualification.
It appears highly unlikely the East Londoners would sign both Medel and Fleck given the pair operate in similar roles.
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