West Ham are attempting to derail Bayer Leverkusen’s attempt to sign the Girona midfielder Aleix García.
Leverkusen have been leading the race for García but the Bundesliga champions are in danger of missing out on one of Xabi Alonso’s key targets. West Ham have offered about £14m for the Spaniard.
Julen Lopetegui, who has replaced David Moyes as West Ham’s manager, is looking to strengthen in several positions. A midfielder is a priority and Lopetegui’s influence is evident in the interest in García, who played a big part in Girona earning Champions League qualification for the first time by finishing third in La Liga.
The 26-year-old began his career at Villarreal and spent five years at Manchester City before joining Dinamo Bucharest in 2020. The Spain international has kicked on since moving to Girona in 2021, impressing with his intelligent passing from a deep position. West Ham, who played a counterattacking style under Moyes, need players who can help them hold more possession.
West Ham have alternative midfield targets, with sources at the club stressing that the move for García is not at an advanced stage. A consideration for the player will surely be that Girona and Leverkusen are in the Champions League. West Ham have not qualified for Europe and fear that Leverkusen will offer García a more lucrative contract.
Lopetegui’s options in midfield include Edson Álvarez, Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paquetá and Flynn Downes, who is expected to join Southampton. Paquetá could receive a lengthy ban after being charged by the Football Association with alleged breaches of betting regulations.
West Ham are fighting to complete the signing of the Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme for an initial £25.5m. The deal has been revived after almost breaking down on Monday but negotiations are ongoing.
