Monday Morning Transfer news: West Ham could smash record to sign Euro midfielder, ‘a deal is brewing’

West Ham United is poised to break the Croatian transfer record to sign Rokas Pukstas from Hajduck Split, with a deal reportedly “brewing” according to agent Andy Bar. The 19-year-old American youth international has attracted interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa, but West Ham appears to be leading the race.

Pukstas, an attacking midfielder who can also play deeper or as a winger, has impressed in the HNL with eight goals and one assist this season. While he has room to improve, his footballing IQ and ability to read the game have drawn comparisons to Thomas Muller, a key player for Bayern Munich.

The current Croatian transfer record is held by Nikola Vlasic, who signed for Everton in 2017 for £9.2m. West Ham’s potential deal for Pukstas would surpass that fee, demonstrating the club’s commitment to signing top talent.

However, Hajduk Split’s sporting director, Nikola Kalinic, has stated that Pukstas is not for sale this summer. This could lead to a negotiations battle between West Ham and Hajduk Split, with the Croatian club potentially driving up the price for their prized asset.

Pukstas’s agent, Andy Bar, has hinted that a deal is imminent, suggesting that West Ham’s pursuit of the young midfielder is serious. If successful, the signing would be a significant coup for West Ham, who are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

The addition of Pukstas would provide West Ham with a talented young player who can contribute to the team’s attack. His versatility and ability to play in various positions would also offer manager Julen Lopetegui tactical flexibility.

While Pukstas is not yet a household name, his potential and talent have captured the attention of Premier League clubs. If West Ham can secure his signature, it would be a statement of intent from the club, demonstrating their ambition to compete with the top teams in the league.

In other West Ham news, the club is reportedly offering Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui an £8.5m bonus package to secure the signing of Luis Guilherme in July. This move would further bolster West Ham’s squad, adding depth and quality to their ranks.

As the transfer window heats up, West Ham fans will be eagerly watching developments surrounding Pukstas and other potential signings. With the club’s ambition and resources, it promises to be an exciting summer for the Hammers.