Rumour Mill: Liverpool “keen” on signing West Ham loanee Manuel Lanzini

November 14, 2015
Jack Lusby

After a bright start to life at West Ham United, on-loan forward Manuel Lanzini is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool.

The 22-year-old, who scored the opening goal in the Hammers’ 3-0 win away to Liverpool earlier this season, is currently on loan from UAE League side Al Jazira Club.

But with West Ham looking to make his move permanent this season, Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones, formerly of the Mirror, has claimed that Liverpool are interested in signing the versatile forward.

“Liverpool have asked to be kept informed about his situation,” Jones said.

“They are keen on taking him to Anfield eventually.

“West Ham are keen to sign this player up on a permanent deal, though, so it is going to be a battle between those two clubs.”

Jones believes that West Ham have been looking into securing a permanent move for the Argentine for “the past six weeks,” and suggested that injury to key midfielder Dimitri Payet is forcing their hand.

When asked which side he feels Lanzini would end up with, Jones said that West Ham “are confident that a deal will be in place.”

“They’re close to agreeing terms, I understand, with the player,” he continued.

“Now they just need to agree a deal with the club in the Middle East.”

Jones claims that any deal to sign Lanzini would be worth close to £10 million, and while he feels that West Ham are currently leading the race to sign him permanently, Liverpool “will get involved” at some stage.

Primarily a right-sided attacking midfielder, Lanzini has scored three goals and assisted on another in 10 appearances for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, with his exploitation of a miserable Dejan Lovren proving key in August’s Anfield victory.

Pacy, skilful and dynamic, Lanzini has added an invaluable option to the West Ham attack, and has not looked out of place despite his inexperience.

On paper, Lanzini would make a fine addition to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad.

The German is desperately short of pace and direct attacking play on the right flank, and Lanzini would provide this, having cut his teeth in the top flight at the Boleyn Ground.

But with Jones quoting a value of around £10 million for the 22-year-old, Klopp may be better off looking elsewhere for a more established talent as he looked to develop his side into top-four challengers.