Rumour Reel: West Ham hold hope over Zaza summer switch
Published:
Lee Gormley | June 23, 2016
Coral’s rumour reel
This summer’s transfer market is ready to open wide on July 1st as Premier League managers and those around the rest of Europe brace themselves for a flurry of business in the coming weeks, following the release of the 2016/17 top-flight fixtures.
Hammers hone in on Zaza
Euro 2016 has reached the knockout stage in France following six thrilling group campaigns and West Ham United are reportedly set to enter talks for a hopeful move of one player that will be competing in the last 16 on French soil.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has identified Italy forward Simone Zaza as a potential new arrival at the Olympic Stadium for next season, with the Croatian coach clearly balancing scouting duties with his punditry commitments at the tournament.
The former Croatia boss has been enjoying his star man Dimitri Payet perform brilliantly for France, and glimpses of Italy and Juventus attacker Zaza have caught his eye too after West Ham upped their interest in his services.
Zaza was on the losing side in the incredible Republic of Ireland victory recently but showed signs that he could star in England’s top-flight, and the Hammers are believed to be willing to fork over £15m for the 24-year-old’s signature.
The Turin frontman is currently tied down to his present employers until 2020 and Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg are also reportedly keen to snap him up, giving West Ham stiff competition in landing the Italy international after he fulfils his Euro 2016 campaign.
Spurs seek Sanabria signing
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is also prepared to dip into the market this summer, with the London club identifying Roma’s 20-year-old Paraguay forward Antonio Sanabria as a potential acquisition, after catching the eye in Serie A.
Spurs are said to be readying a £12m bid for the South American prospect, who spent last season out on loan with Sporting Gijon in La Liga where he struck 11 goals during a promising spell in Spain, with the forward having also featured at the 2016 Copa America.
Sanabria has previously been on the capital club’s radar when he was a teenager in Barcelona’s famed academy La Masia before arriving at Roma, and he could provide Spurs with a new back-up or partner for England striker Harry Kane next term.
Reds make Mane a target
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is hoping to bolster his squad for next season too when he will aim to enjoy a successful full term in charge at Anfield, and the German has outlined Southampton wideman Sadio Mane as a possible arrival.
The Saints winger is a prized asset at St Mary’s after another wonderful campaign in the top tier, and the club will be keen to keep hold of him after losing former coach Ronald Koeman to Everton in recent weeks.
Mane would represent a huge boost to Liverpool’s attacking ranks and could provide a dynamic spark to help them fight further up the Premier League table next season, as Klopp targets a stronger campaign than last.
The path from St Mary’s to Anfield has been one taken by many Saints stars in recent years, with Mane possibly set to follow in the footsteps of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne if deciding upon such a switch.
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With the summer soon upon us, Coral’s Rumour Reel is back in full swing, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any major gossip.
