West Ham have reportedly made a shock bid for Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic, and he is the type of superstar signing that would put the Hammers back amongst the big boys.

What's the story?

West Ham were incredibly close to infiltrating the top four in their last season at the Boleyn Ground, and if the Hammers want to get back up there they have to add some top quality to support Manuel Pellegrini.

Manuel Lanzini’s injury is a huge loss in terms of attacking impetus and creativity, and Italian reports claim the club are trying to make up for it by moving for Kovacic.

According to the report from Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers “tabled a bid” for the Croatian international on Monday.

Real Madrid don’t want to lose a player they see as the next in line to the midfield throne after Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, but they might not have a choice.

The 24 year-old is frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities, and asked to leave the club last month, so this could be the Hammers’ best chance to swoop in and sign themselves a superstar.

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What's all the fuss about?

Kovacic is of course not a like for like replacement for Lanzini, but his ability to break the lines with his passing or dribbling would be a huge asset in Pellegrini’s midfield.

Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, the former Inter Milan star can play in various positions, but is best as a box to box midfielder, where he can use his versatility and intelligence help out at both ends of the pitch.

Former Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni once described him as a mixture of Kaka and Clarence Seedorf, so if that doesn’t get you excited then nothing will.

The 24 year-old already has 45 caps for Croatia, is excellent at weaving past players with the ball, and doesn’t mind getting stuck in either, averaging well over two tackles per 90 minutes in La Liga last season.

The feisty but extremely technically gifted midfielder is reportedly wanted by Chelsea and Spurs, but if the experience and charm of Pellegrini can lure him to East London then the Hammers could make a legitimate charge at the top six, especially if they can secure other targets like Felipe Anderson.

So, West Ham fans, would you like to see a move for Kovacic? Do you think you can pull it off? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…