West Ham remain very much in the hunt for midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, who are refusing to back down on their claim.
Last week, the respected Italian daily reported that the Hammers were targeting the Brazilian, who struggled during his loan stint at Juventus last season. The story was quickly rubbished by multiple UK sources—but La Gazzetta are sticking to their guns and insist West Ham are still in the race, alongside Everton.
Luiz left Aston Villa for Serie A in a big-money move, as the Midlanders were forced to sell their prized asset due to PSR pressures.
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West Ham are reportedly offering to take the 27-year-old former Manchester City man on loan, with an option to buy for €30-40m.
While Juventus are open to a loan, the sticking point lies in the small print—the Italians are said to be insisting on an obligation to buy, not just an option.
Juve are reportedly “desperate” to sell, with Football Italia suggesting that their urgency will increase the longer the transfer window drags on. What’s clear is that Luiz has been deemed surplus to requirements and is very much available.