West Ham United are keen on signing Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in the coming hours, according to Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon.
The Hammers have made enquiries about the Argentina international this week, but La Liga club Real Betis are ahead of them in the race.
Aston Villa also want Lo Celso should his move to Spain fall through, and West Ham will also be keeping tabs on the situation.
Told West Ham have asked about Giovani Lo Celso this week but Real Betis are winning the race. #WHUFC
Likely to run into tomorrow. #AVFC still interested in case move to Spain falls apart but Betis now going all out to get it done. #THFC https://t.co/PtUA2pwBnA
— Charlie Gordon (@CharlieGordonSJ) August 29, 2024
The Hammers have added Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, Wes Foderingham, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to their ranks so far this summer, with Jean-Clair Todibo joining on loan.
However, manager Julen Lopetegui still wants further recruitment in his attack following the departure of Said Benrahma, and Lo Celso has emerged as a late target.
The 28-year-old Spurs star is not in the plans of manager Ange Postecoglou, and while returning to La Liga could appeal, remaining in the Premier League could be more appealing to him, with West Ham keen to offer him that chance.
The South American started just four league games for Tottenham last term, coming off the bench 18 times, and the Hammers could give him the opportunity of regular football.
Lo Celso has the quality and much-needed experience West Ham could do with in attack, with his ability to play anywhere in the final third a feature Lopetegui could do with in a player.
He has played 77 Premier League games, weighing in with three goals and five assists, while he has 12 goals and nine assists in 70 La Liga games.
Remaining in London to continue plying his trade is an option the Argentine could consider, but whether the Irons can convince him and pip both Betis and Villa to his services remains to be seen.
