West Ham in ‘pole position’ for £17m-rated Declan Rice replacement, negotiations entered for 21-goal striker

West Ham continue to drive a hard bargain as they stand firm on their £100 million asking price for Declan Rice. The midfielder’s exit is almost inevitable at this point, but that doesn’t mean David Moyes and co shouldn’t get what they believe to be a fair deal for him.

Once a move is complete, the Irons will need to bring in a suitable replacement, meaning the entire Rice saga is one of the most exciting of the transfer window so far. Let’s take a look at some of the latest updates for West Ham.

West Ham in ‘pole position’ for Declan Rice replacement

While the talks over Rice’s future continue, there is the matter of who will the Irons purchase this summer to replace such a key figure? A few names have been thrown into the mix so far and according to Tuttomercatoweb (via Hammers.News), they have entered the race for Juventus’ Denis Zakaria.

The versatile midfielder is firmly on West Ham’s radar after spending the season on loan with Chelsea, and Moyes’ side are said to be in ‘pole position’ to sign him this summer. Juventus are looking for just £17 million for Zakaria, but the Irons are reportedly reluctant to match that amount, despite wanting nine figures for Rice.

Irons enter negotiations for 21-goal striker

The highly sought after Viktor Gyökeres is another man on Moyes’ radar this summer and West Ham have now stepped there interest up a notch. According to Record (via West Ham Zone), the Hammers have approached the negotiating table and are in the running alongside Fulham, Wolves, and Crystal Palace.

Gyökeres is a hot target right now after bagging 21 Championship goals with Coventry last season. West Ham are on the hunt for new attacking options and with the Swede’s contract ending next year, they could be in with a shot at signing him, providing the price is right.