West Ham United are now eyeing a January move for Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who is also being targeted by the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.
West Ham risk being cut adrift if their form doesn't start to improve soon, with Nuno Espirito Santo so far being unable to instigate a major turnaround in results, and they have another tough test on the horizon against Newcastle United later today.
The 2-1 loss against Leeds United last time out could prove to be a real six-pointer at the end of the season, and the Hammers looked particularly weak in midfield, with Andy Irving and Tomas Soucek both struggling.
soucek
Both midfielders lost the majority of the duels they contested, with Irving winning just one of five, while they also failed to create a big chance throughout the match, which suggests Nuno may need to strengthen his options in the middle of the park this January.
The need to bring in a new midfielder is also exacerbated by Guido Rodriguez not being part of Nuno's plans, with the midfielder being benched for the majority of the campaign, having seemingly failed to impress the manager.
West Ham eyeing move for Angelo Stiller
According to a report from Fussball Europa (via Sport WItness), West Ham are now eyeing a January move for Stuttgart midfielder Stiller, who could be brought in to replace Rodriguez, if they are able to move the 31-year-old on.
The £75k-a-week midfielder wants to leave this winter, and the Hammers are eager to get him off the books, with the German maestro being targeted as a direct replacement.
Fenerbahce's Edson Alvarez in action with VfB Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller
David Sullivan & co clearly mean business, given that the 24-year-old is held in very high regard, with the likes of Man United and Real Madrid also being named as potential suitors.
Once lauded as "special" by Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley, the central midfielder has been tipped to go on and play for a big club by Ben Mattinson, given his ability to dictate the tempo.
As such, it is somewhat difficult to envisage West Ham competing for the Germany international in January if they don't claw themselves out of relegation trouble beforehand, but it would be a major statement of intent if they were able to get a deal done.
The Stuttgart star is particularly impressive at setting up chances for his teammates, placing in the 98th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, having averaged 0.30.
Stiller could be a real difference-maker in the Hammers' quest to avoid relegation, but results must start improving soon if they are to tempt him into a move, starting against Newcastle today.
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