This will not go down well at West Ham.
Manuel Lanzini has been in sparkling form for the Hammers this season. He has already found the net four times, including a stunning consolation against Spurs. Not surprisingly, his form has attracted covetous eyes.
Lanzini is currently on loan from Al Jazira Club, and West Ham are understandably keen on making his stay permanent. Manager Slaven Bilic is certainly a fan:
“He is a phenomenal player, who is very comfortable on the ball, no matter where he is and gives everything in every training session.
“I know him really well because I tried a couple of times to get him to my previous club, Besiktas, but it didn’t happen…I am only surprised that he hit it off straight away – I thought he was going to need more time.”
However, there is growing speculation that Jurgen Klopp shares Bilic’s admiration for the 22-year-old, and is keen to taken advantage of the fact the player is currently borrowed rather than outright bought.
For his part, the player seems very pleased with the rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool, whilst at the same time acknowledging that it would be “fine” if he stayed at West Ham:
“I heard the president say that the club wants me to stay. I am fine here. [But] it’s an absolute honour that a team like Liverpool has put an eye on me, but at moment I am focused on [West Ham].”
Certainly the fans would not like to see him go…
Manuel Lanzini is actually class
— Steve Sturdy (@SteveSturdyy) November 22, 2015
That Lanzini guy is class.
— Haaave you met Will? (@FlynnFinnagen) November 22, 2015
https://twitter.com/WestHamLondon/status/645308627214069760
@GeorgeNobbs Lanzini is fantastic! I love those signings too… Did you see his defensive work at Anfield? Amazing!
— Niklas Bo (@niklasboa) August 31, 2015
His team lost today but Manuel Lanzini has a touch of class, his finish tonight was special. His previous strike against Everton as well.
— Carl Lewis (@Carl_LewisZA) November 22, 2015