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West Ham United are interested in signing AC Milan winger Hakan Calhanoglu, per Fanatik.

What’s the word?

Calhanoglu, a left winger who can also play in central midfield, has been with the Serie A giants since 2017.

Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of around €20million, which could rise to €24m depending on bonuses, the Turkey international has made 86 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and laying on 26 assists.

Previously a genuine creative force in the Bundesliga – he scored 28 goals and provided 29 assists across 115 games for Leverkusen – Calhanoglu could leave Milan this summer.

Fanatik claim that both the Hammers and Leicester City have expressed an interest in securing Calhanoglu’s signature.

Any deal would cost around €30m (£25.9m), with the 25-year-old said to be open to the possibility of playing in England.

Versatility is key

This deal suggests that Manuel Pellegrini is looking to bring in versatile players this summer.

Calhanoglu offers the ability to play on the left flank, with his trickery and creativity excellent attributes, while he can also do a job in central midfield.

Pellegrini, then, would have the tactical flexibility to switch formation mid-game with Calhanoglu in the team; if he isn’t working on the left-hand side of a 4-3-3, West Ham can easily switch to having two up front, with Calhanoglu dropping back into midfield.

There are not many players out there like him and €30m would be a snip in today’s market.

It remains to be seen, of course, if the Irons can beat Leicester to his signature.