Leeds and West Ham have both been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Nahitan Nandez from Cagliari – but have learnt how much to pay if they still want him.
Nandez is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in Serie A outside the bigger clubs in the division. He was an instant success after moving to the Sardinian side from Boca Juniors last summer.
Already, it seems as if Nandez is destined to play at a higher level. He has attracted interest from some of Italy’s more powerful clubs.
However, there is also interest in him from the Premier League. According to Centotrentuno, Leeds and West Ham have been monitoring him.
These links are nothing new. Leeds have been tracking the player since his Boca Juniors days, while West Ham tried to sign him over the summer.
Neither club has been able to prise him away yet, but their interest in the 24-year-old remains.
Now, Centotrentuno has revealed that Leeds and West Ham have both failed to sign Nandez so far because of his price tag. Cagliari have deemed their offers too low.
However, if Leeds or West Ham remain serious about Nandez, then they have been sent a clear instruction of how much they will need to pay. The Uruguayan has a release clause worth €36m (about £32.5m).
Napoli are another suitor, though, as they look to strengthen their midfield. That search has already led them to identifying a Chelsea star as a potential target – but Nandez is another.
January scramble for Nandez
Therefore, with another rival for his signature, the interested parties in the Premier League must act quickly in January.
Leeds were keen to strengthen their midfield all summer, ultimately seeing ambitious bids for Rodrigo De Paul and Michael Cuisance fall through.
Other options have since emerged, including Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig. But if they were to pursue him, it would only be a loan deal.
West Ham have also been in the market for the middle of their pitch. For example, they are still a suitor for Roma’s Amadou Diawara.
Intriguingly, Roma were reportedly willing to offload Diawara to bid for Nandez themselves. However, they could cut out one step of the transfer chain and beat the Italians to Nandez instead.
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