West Ham set to turn their attention from one Czech talent to another

Alex Kral Marcus Rashford TEAMtalk

West Ham could end their interest in Czech Republic midfielder Alex Kral and instead turn their attention to his compatriot Adam Hlozek, a report has suggested.

The Hammers have enjoyed success from tapping into the Czech market recently. Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek have excelled since joining the club. It appeared they were keen on making Kral their next Czech acquisition. The 23-year-old started 28 out of 29 games in the Russian Premier League for Spartak Moscow last season and impressed in the centre of the park.

Further reports suggested positive talks were held between the two parties as they looked to secure a £14m deal before the Euros.

Such a deal didn’t get completed, though. And now it looks like the potential transfer could fall through.

According to The Athletic, there is ‘every chance’ West Ham will look at different options in the market due to Kral’s underwhelming performances in the Czech’s group games.

The midfielder started in their opening game against Scotland but was pulled off in the 67th minute.

He then lost his starting berth in the team for the matches against Croatia and England. In both games he featured from the bench in the second half.

Czech Republic did progress to the last 16 by virtue of finishing as one of the top four third-placed teams. Therefore, there is still time for Kral to turn around his tournament to date.

However, an alternative Czech addition that could arrive at the London Stadium instead is Hlozek.

The report states that David Moyes asked both Soucek and Coufal which of their countrymen they would recommend signing. In response, they gave the 18-year-old’s name.

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The Sparta Prague striker is seriously impressing at his young age. He scored four goals in one game last season, which reportedly drew Moyes’ attention.

In addition, Liverpool and AC Milan have also been linked with the youngster. He is also part of the Czech squad at the Euros alongside Kral and has come off the bench in all three games.

Moyes is said to have reservations about whether Hlozek is ready for England’s top-flight. Despite this, he recognises the high ceiling he possess.

Centre-back also on Moyes’ agenda

Meanwhile, the Hammers are ready to make Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic their first signing of the summer, according to reports.

The Hammers were heavily linked with the 23-year-old last summer. But they were unable to secure his signature after failing to agree a fee with the Italian outfit.

With the Serbia international being out of contract next summer, Football Italia report that the club have submitted a €15.5million (£13.3million) bid to lure him to east London.

Following the departure of Fabio Balbuena, David Moyes has made Milenkovic a top transfer target as he looks to expand his options at the back for next season.

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