West Ham are now trying to sign Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes.
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Hammers boss David Moyes is expected to be a busy man in the January transfer window.
The Scot’s priority will be to bring a top-class striker to the London Stadium in the winter window.
Michail Antonio needs more quality competition and cover if West Ham are to push on for a top four finish this season.
Aside from a striker, the Hammers need to sign a top-class left-back to prove more adequate cover for Aaron Cresswell.
The last thing we need right now is a defensive midfielder considering the fact that we have Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral.
So the latest transfer rumour is somewhat of a surprise.
West Ham want to sign Guido Rodriguez
The 19-capped Argentina international is allegedly on the Hammers radar.
Real Betis will demand around €30 million (£25 million) for his services.
Described as ‘exceptional defensively’ and a ‘superb reader of the game’ by the Professional Football Scouts Association, Rodriguez has been excellent for Betis recently.
The defensive midfielder has two assists in nine La Liga games for Betis so far this season (Transfermarkt).
During those appearances, the 27-year-old has averaged 2.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game (Who Scored).
He has made 47.2 passes per match and has recorded an impressive completion rate of 83.5% (Who Scored).
Rodriguez is a very good midfielder. He is tenacious and gritty and is seemingly ideally suited to the robust and intense nature of Premier League football.
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It must be said that Moyes has far greater priorities than adding another DM to his ranks in January, however.
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