Potter Pushes for £12m Midfield Wonderkid at Second Attempt. West Ham United are stepping up efforts to strengthen their midfield and are reportedly preparing a second bid for OH Leuven’s Ezechiel Banzuzi, according to ExWHUEmployee.
The Hammers recently had a bid rejected for the 19-year-old, but newly-appointed manager Graham Potter has given the green light to pursue the talented midfielder. However, the Belgian club are firm on their £12m valuation.
Potter is keen to add players suited to his philosophy as he works to bolster his injury-hit squad. Having taken a hands-on approach to transfers, the West Ham boss is prioritising both an attacker and a pacey midfielder before the window closes, which has been confirmed to Claret & Hugh.
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Banzuzi has impressed this season, providing five assists in 21 Belgian Pro League appearances. The Dutch-born midfielder, who progressed through NAC Breda’s youth academy, has also represented the Netherlands at Under-21 level.
The Hammers are determined to position themselves as front-runners for his signature but need to get a wriggle-on following numerous unsuccessful forays into the transfer market during the current window.
