Ambitious Prem side receive valuation reply after Oxlade-Chamberlain enquiry
West Ham have made initial forays into a potential transfer swoop for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to a report.
The Hammers have enjoyed a strong season under David Moyes and are looking to secure a Europa League finish. Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard has massively aided their form, contributing to 15 goals. However, uncertainty remains as to whether West Ham will secure his permanent transfer.
United are reportedly willing to sell the midfielder, but his wage demands could scupper his move to London.
As such, Football Insider reports that Moyes’ club are looking into alternatives as a back-up plan. Indeed, they have begun to look towards struggling Reds star Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Englishman has endured a tough season, playing only 277 minutes of football all season.
After suffering a knee problem in August, he only returned in December. That is despite manager Jurgen Klopp insisting soon after his injury that it was not a serious issue.
He may have featured in 11 Premier League games since his comeback, but his contributions only amount to 235 minutes – fewer than three 90-minute stints.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract runs out in 2023 and, as a result, a decision is looming over his future.
However, Football Insider adds that Liverpool are willing to listen to let him leave this summer. What’s more, they have told West Ham after an enquiry that he could leave for £22million.
Oxlade-Chamberlain looked to be returning to somewhere near his best form last season. After a serious knee injury set him back, he proved a key figure as Liverpool lifted their first Premier League title.
However, his fresh problem last summer led in part to youngster Curtis Jones getting more of a chance this season. But the 20-year-old has not looked back and is now a vital figure for Klopp.
Klopp counting on Oxlade-Chamberlain
Asked about Oxlade-Chamberlain recently, though, Klopp insisted that he is counting on the player.
He said: “Ox had some good moments; he has shown up really well and that is good. This situation is not always easy for all the boys not only Ox, but for Naby [Keita], not easy for Shaq [Xherdan Shaqiri] – I know that.
“During this season, a lot of things have happened. One thing we try to do is get balance, rhythm and stability.
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“That means you don’t change these kinds of positions too often during games and that is it pretty much.
“So a few things in midfield need to be different to other times when we were much more settled and stable. That is the reason why some players don’t have enough minutes.”
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp kills exit talk and says he is counting on Liverpool man
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