WEST HAM are open to offers for Manuel Lanzini and Fabien Balbuena as David Moyes looks to rebuild his squad.
The Hammers all but secured their Premier League status with Friday’s 3-1 win over Watford.
Manuel Lanzini has fallen down David Moyes’ pecking order at West HamCredit: Andy Hooper
Now boss Moyes is keen to bring in younger players this summer to freshen up his team and add some much-needed speed.
But with limited money, he will have to sell to finance his plans.
Lanzini, 27, was once a target for Liverpool and valued at around £40million but the Argentina star has been a shadow of his former self since a knee injury on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.
With Pablo Fornals a younger and fitter option in a similar position, Lanzini is no longer a regular starter and the club would listen to reasonable offers.
Centre-back Balbuena is another who has struggled for fitness and form and has not convinced Moyes he can be relied upon.
The Paraguayan, 28, is understood to be open to the chance to move back to South America after two years in the Premier League.
Scot Moyes looks to have discovered a new Marouane Fellaini in Tomas Soucek.
Fabien Balbuena (left) could be on his way out of West Ham just two years after signing for the club for £6.5million from Corinthians Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The Czech giant, 23, is similar in size to 6ft 4in Fellaini, whom Moyes signed for Everton and Manchester United.
His bullet header against fellow strugglers Watford was reminiscent of the big-haired Belgian.
Our physical stats were very poor, we needed to add some more legs to the midfield
David Moyes
And Moyes can see why comparisons are being drawn to his former favourite.
The Hammers chief said: “When we came here in January, we needed to add some more energy to the team.
“Our physical stats were very poor, we needed to add some more legs to the midfield. That was our priority.
David Moyes is due to freshen up his side this summer. The Hammers boss hopes to bring in younger players during the transfer windowCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
“Thankfully we got Tomas because not only does he give us good energy and good physicality, he’s got a great goal-scoring record.”
Soucek, who has 25 caps for his country, hit ten goals in 19 games for Slavia Prague before joining West Ham on loan.
That deal can become permanent for £13m in the summer, a move Moyes surely will want to pursue.
The Hammers boss added: “He’s young and going to improve. He’s a great boy to work with.
“I can see where you would draw comparisons (to Fellaini) because of the stature.
“He scored a really good goal against Watford from a cross.
“It was an old-fashioned centre forward’s header.
“He’s got three goals already — that’s a good return for someone who has only just come to the Premier League and only played ten games.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
