West Ham lurking as Bayern Munich weigh up options for midfield star

Renato Sanches, Corentin Tolisso TEAMtalk

West Ham are showing an interest in Bayern Munich and France midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according to reports in Germany.

The Hammers have not been too busy in the transfer market since their sixth-placed finish last season. They have made Craig Dawson’s loan from Watford a permanent deal and signed Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. With four competitions on the horizon in 2021-22, they need more depth.

David Moyes did well to inspire his side as high up the table as he did last term, but next season will be an even bigger challenge. The excitement of playing in the Europa League comes with the catch that the schedule will be more demanding for his players.

As such, it would be useful if they could find a couple more reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Ideally, they need a striker and are also looking for more depth in defence. But they could look to bolster their midfield ranks as well.

Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice are practically guaranteed starters in that position, week in, week out. However, who joins them in the midfield can change from game to game. By adding a player of similar quality, they could ensure even more consistency.

To that end, they are looking at World Cup winner Tolisso, according to Sport1.

Corentin Tolisso, Bayern Munich (May 2021) TEAMtalk

The former Lyon midfielder has been with Bayern Munich since 2017, winning the Bundesliga title in every year since. He only has one year left on his contract, though, so his future is in doubt.

Bayern are deciding whether it is best to sell him or grant him a contract renewal. They have concerns about his injury history, but do not want to lose him for free, so must make a commitment either way.

Sport1 say Bayern will likely need a replacement before they can think about selling Tolisso. However, in the background, West Ham will be monitoring developments.

An alternative route out of Munich for the Frenchman would be to Juventus, who are long-term admirers. Much will depend on what the 27-year-old wants.

If he pressures for an exit, Bayern will not stand in his way, so West Ham or Juventus could have a decent chance of signing him.

West Ham in defender talks

The Hammers are seemingly looking towards the European market for potential signings, as they are in talks for a defender plying his trade in Italy as well.

Back in June, West Ham were linked with Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic. The Serbia international is in the final 12 months of his contract and is reluctant to renew. Therefore, Fiorentina are trying to sell him before the season starts and were expecting a move from Tottenham.

But Spurs look set to sign Cristian Romero and Takehiro Tomiyasu from other Serie A sides instead. Therefore, Milenkovic may have to seek another destination.


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According to Sky Sports, West Ham could provide him with the solution. They are apparently in talks with Fiorentina after realising Milenkovic is a “more realistic” target than Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma due to the latter’s £25m transfer fee and high wages.

It is not yet clear if they have made a formal bid, but he is an option they are genuinely considering.

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