West Ham United have been handed a green light to secure the signing of Manchester City defender, Oleksandr Zinchenko...

What's the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, City are willing to let the 25-year-old leave this summer, with the Premier League champions seemingly keen on bringing in fellow left-back, Marc Cucurella from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer guru stated: "Manchester City are prepared to let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave as they are targeting Marc Cucurella, with an official bid coming soon - decision was made in May.

"Zinchenko can be sold and Everton have his name in the list as one of the main targets. Other clubs also keen."

While not mentioned by Romano, the Hammers have been heavily linked with a move for the Ukraine international this summer, albeit with Everton also firmly in the mix for his signature. This update has consequently given any suitor the green light to make a move.

Moyes loves him

The Etihad outfit's desire to let the versatile asset leave could well open the door for the east Londoners to make a move, with manager David Moyes seemingly keen on adding the 52-cap gem to his current squad.

While he has featured predominantly at left-back under Pep Guardiola, the "unique" talent - as he has been described by journalist Mark Critchley - is also comfortable in central midfield, featuring regularly for his country in that role as he has blossomed into something of a "national superstar", as per Jonathan Smith.

That flexibility will no doubt be a huge tick for Moyes and co with a number of areas to address this summer, with the centre of midfield a particular problem following Mark Noble's retirement and with Alex Kral not set to be signed permanently.

A four-time title winner with his current club, Zinchenko - who arrived in England for just £1.7m five years ago - has rarely been a regular for City, although has still racked up 128 appearances in all competitions, notably providing seven assists in 76 top-flight outings thus far.

The £59k-per-week machine has also drawn particular praise of late for continuing to perform on the pitch alongside his vocal and emotional opposition to Russia's ongoing invasion of his homeland, showcasing his strength as a real "leader" in the process, as per Vayam Lahoti.

Such a humble and hard-working character will no doubt thrive under Moyes' tutelage, with the Scotsman seemingly in need of others to step up following the departure of the aforementioned Noble and with uncertainty over the future of Declan Rice.

That can also be coupled with his undoubted quality, showcased by his favourable comparison to those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, ranking in the top 1% for both progressive carries and progressive passes, as well as in the top 2% for pass completion.

That skill in possession will be a real bonus to Moyes and co, with the Scotsman no doubt praying that GSB can get the deal done in the coming weeks.

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