West Ham transfer news: Irons ‘considering’ £17m defender raid, Tottenham ‘only team’ who can afford £42m star

The Belgian international midfielder has become a key player for the Bundesliga outfit since joining them in a £1.6million deal in July 2017.

After spending time out on loan at Hamburg during the 2018/19 season, Mangala has been a consistent presence in the Stuttgart midfield as he made almost 90 appearances over the last three years.

His form throughout last season brought a maiden senior call-up to the Belgian squad and he made his debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland in March this year.

West Ham, Palace and Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest have all been linked with a move for the midfielder and a £13million price tag has been suggested in the media in Germany.

Despite uncertainty surrounding his client’s future, Mangala’s agent Mehmet Eser believes the midfielder could remain in Stuttgart and revealed his positive relationship with the club and their staff.

He told German outlet SWR Sport: “Orel can imagine staying in Stuttgart. VfB have a strong team that can attack next season.

“There are clubs that want to sign him. But you have to respect the contract at Stuttgart (which expires in 2024).

“If VfB are ready to sell him, then we have to talk. We’ve always been treated well here by the presidency and the coaching staff.”

Eser also confirmed that any decision over Mangala’s future would be influenced by the upcoming World Cup Finals in Qatar.

Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...