Hammer close to exit
Torino are focusing their efforts on securing West Ham misfit Nikola Vlasic, and they’ve reportedly drawn up a new offer. The £29m Hammer is close to his exit from The London Stadium following a mixed loan move to Italy
The 25-year-old Croatation joined Torino on a loan deal with an option to buy last summer. Vlasic scored five goals and provided six assists across 34 Serie A matches. As a result Torino are keen to make the move permanent but at a much reduced fee.
There has been so much back and forth between the two clubs it’s been difficult to keep up. But suffice to say the Italian club have moved the financial goal-posts on numerous occasions. To put it bluntly, Torino don’t appear to have the funds to trigger the ‘buy option’.
Torino are keen to retain Vlasic and have been in close contact with The Hammers in recent weeks to try and iron out an agreement. The player himself is keen to make extend his short stay in Italy. One would imagine his desire to leave was hastened following confirmation of David Moyes remaining as manager.
West Ham want €13m for Vlasic, which was the agreed fee on completion of his loan. But Torino are hoping to bring the costs to below €10m, which could rise with add-ons.
As such, the Torino have prepared a deal worth around €9m plus €1.5m in extras. This is unlikely to convince the Hammers, so further work will be needed to find an accord.
West Ham still owe £17m to Vlasic’s former club CSKA Moscow. One can understand why Torino’s offers are unappealing given the debt still remaining for the player.
