According to reports in Spanish media outlet Estadio Deportivo, West Ham United are said to be lining up a £8.5m move for Hoffenheim midfielder Steven Zuber, although they could face competition from the likes of Juventus and Sevilla.
Who?
Good question.
The 25-year-old burst onto the scene as an explosive winger for Grasshopper Club Zurich in his native Switzerland when he was younger, and some fine form quickly saw him earn a move to CSKA Moscow in 2013.
However, things didn’t quite work out for Zuber in Russia and he joined German outfit Hoffenheim in 2014.
He has played a part in the Bundesliga side’s impressive 2016/17 campaign, where they have lost just two league games all season.
What’s the word, then?
Well, after some impressive performances for Hoffenheim this season in a more defensive wing-back role – he has scored three goals and provided two assists this term – Zuber is starting to attract interest from a number clubs across Europe, including Slaven Bilic’s Irons.
The 25-year-old also picked up his first senior cap for his country last week after being called up to the squad for the first time, although he did make four appearances for Switzerland at the 2012 Olympics too.
Where would he fit in at West Ham?
It’s unclear whether the Hammers would want to use him as a left wing-back like Hoffenheim are, or as a more attack-minded player.
Of course, the Irons already have Aaron Cresswell to cover the left-back and left wing-back spots, and it seems unlikely that the club will drop him in favour of a new addition.
However, with summer signing Arthur Masuaku struggling to impress, it may be that the east London outfit are simply looking for competition for the 27-year-old.
Can they beat off the competition for his signature?
It will be difficult if the rumoured clubs are interested, especially if West Ham only plan to use him as a back-up player.
They would surely have to guarantee the player that he would be a first team regular if he is to make the move to the London Stadium.
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