Liverpool can forget about signing Lanzini, insist West Ham
Manuel Lanzini: Making waves
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan says Liverpool can forget about signing on-loan star Manuel Lanzini.
Reports over the weekend suggested Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had been impressed with the performances of the 22-year-old at West Ham and was preparing a swoop for the Argentinian.
The diminutive forward, on loan from Al Jazira Club in Abu Dhabi, has been in sparkling form for the Hammers – making 10 appearances and scoring three times.
Lanzini, who has also scored in the Europa League, has looked a classy addition to Slaven Bilic’s squad and Sullivan confirmed they have the first option to sign the player permanently.
“I know there have been some reports in the media over the weekend surrounding the future of Manuel Lanzini,” Sullivan told the West Ham official website.
“We have an unbreakable option with both Lanzini and his club, so any other team’s interest is irrelevant.
“Manuel has been a fantastic signing for the club and we all hope he can maintain this superb run of form for the rest of the season.”
Sullivan also confirmed that injured striker Enner Valencia could return to action in the New Year.
“We had some positive news on Enner Valencia’s injury and are hopeful he will be back in action at the start of the New Year,” added Sullivan.
“Dimitri Payet also saw a specialist on Monday and does not surgery and will begin his rehabilitation programme immediately.
“The injuries to both players are huge losses for the club. We have a great squad, but Payet has been the star player of the season and he is bound to be missed.”