English Premier League side, West Ham United, have identified Super Eagles’ midfielder, Rafael Onyedika, as the ideal replacement for Thomas Soucek, who is expected to leave the London club this summer.

But the West London side have to contend with some other English clubs in pursuit of the Club Brugge midfielder’s signature. TBEfootball.com reports that Leeds United are admirers of Soucek after winning promotion from the Championship, with West Ham valuing the Czech Republic international at a sum of £20m.

Now, the Hammers have initiated contact to sign a direct replacement in Onyedika – although a development over at Manchester City could be impactful. Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has now been told that West Ham have been in touch with Club Brugge over a deal for the Nigeria international.

We understand Onyedika is interested in a move to London, as he enters the final 24 months of his contract with the Belgian giants – any failure to sell him this summer would see his value drop next summer, by which point he would only have a year remaining on his terms.”

The reports said that it is, however, not all plain sailing for West Ham – who are also monitoring Aaron Ramsdale. According to the report, AC Milan also view Onyedika as a potential replacement for Tijjani Reijnders, who is close to leaving the Italian giants for Manchester City in a £46m move.

AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe last season after disappointingly finishing eighth in Serie A, but remain a prestigious club with a strong pulling power nonetheless. Onyedika boasts UEFA Champions League pedigree, racking up 18 appearances in the competition for Club Brugge.

The man born in Imo State– more of a defensive midfielder than an attacking threat – has only scored one goal in these 18 games, but it impressively came against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, netting the opener to scare the Citizens in a game they had to win to progress to the knockout stage last term.

Guardiola did not directly praise Onyedika afterwards, but claimed the whole of Club Brugge has a “bright future” after being left impressed by their efforts in the opening 45 minutes, although Manchester City ultimately fought back to win 3-1 and spare their blushes.

https://guardian.ng/sport/west-ham-battle-ac-milan-for-club-brugges-onyedika/