West Ham now urged to keep ‘very important’ £70k-a-week star at London Stadium

West Ham United should keep Manuel Lanzini at the London Stadium as he has played a ‘very important’ role in their Europa Conference League campaign, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Hammers have clinched top spot in Group B, taking maximum points, but Lanzini has been linked with a mid-season move away from the capital.

What’s the latest news involving Lanzini?

According to Football Insider, West Ham are willing to sell Lanzini for a cut-price fee when the transfer window reopens in January.

The report suggests the Hammers are looking to raise funds after spending more than £160million during the summer and the creative midfielder could be sold if an offer of £10million is tabled.

It comes after Lanzini was reportedly told that he was free to find a new club, either on loan or permanently, ahead of the September 1 deadline only for him to remain at the London Stadium.

There is uncertainty over the 29-year-old’s long-term future as he will enter the final six months of his £70,000-per-week contract at the turn of the year, but West Ham could take advantage of an option to extend the agreement by two years.

Lanzini has made 11 appearances since the season got underway and started all five of his side’s Europa Conference League group stage fixtures.

Read more: Europa Conference League 2022/23: Fixtures, Draw, Dates, Schedule, Final, Teams and Everything We Know So Far

What has Dean Jones said about Lanzini?

Jones believes West Ham should resist the temptation to cash-in on Lanzini because he gives David Moyes’ squad much-needed strength in depth.

The journalist also feels the five-cap Argentina international has been valuable in continental football and could be key as the Hammers strive for silverware in the Europa Conference League.

When asked whether West Ham should cash-in, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “He has been leading them in the Europa Conference League and that is important.

“From a West Ham point of view, they need that depth and he’s provided it. He has been very important in that competition.”

Which year did Paolo Di Canio leave West Ham?

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Should West Ham sell Lanzini in January?

There is no doubt that the £51million acquisition of Lucas Paqueta has restricted Lanzini’s game-time during the early stages of the season, but West Ham should opt against selling the former River Plate man for a cut-price fee.

He has been a wonderful servant for the Hammers, registering 58 goal contributions in 214 appearances, and the club ought to be leaning towards activating the two-year option written into his contract instead of listening to offers.

Lanzini has averaged a goal every 192 minutes in the Europa Conference League and also boasts a pass accuracy of 92 per cent, so Moyes should keep the South American in east London beyond the closure of the January transfer window.

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