West Ham United are looking to solve their midfield conundrum with Belgian starlet Leander Dedoncker, reports Nieuwsblad
The 22-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United but the Hammers boss David Moyes is desperate to strengthen the central midfield this winter.
Anderlecht, Dendoncker’s current club, expect to sell ‘DD’ this summer and are unlikely to agree to his transfer unless West Ham offer an exceptional fee for his services.
The Purple & White coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck believes the midfielder has a long future as a central defender and has spent time coaching Dendoncker the role. That understanding suits Moyes who is concerned by his side’s soft centre in recent matches.
While Moyes is keen on Stoke City’s Joe Allen, 27, he is set to be disappointed in his quest to land Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin. Spanish club Valencia have agreed terms with the player and are in talks with the Gunners over a fee, believed to be in the region of £10-12m.
Dendoncker is likely to cost the Hammers double that amount but is a better long-term prospect. With the Belgium international under contract until 2021, there is no hurry for new club owner Marc Coucke to sell his golden egg.
