Five Alternatives To Gedson Fernandes If West Ham’s £34m Deal Collapses

West Ham remain focused on signing Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes but there are some complications in the transfer that could lead to the deal collapsing.

Reports in Portugal suggest that the involvement of Jorge Mendes and Pini Zahavi could scupper negotiations for the 20-year-old.

The Hammers are said to be prepared to loan Fernandes with an option to buy for €40m (£34m). This could rise to €60m if certain conditions are met.

However, if the move is not finalised, what other midfielders are West Ham looking at? Press the “next page” as we identify five alternatives to the Portuguese international.

Sander Berge

The Norwegian international would reportedly be available for the half the price that Fernandes could cost the Irons.

Unlike the Benfica star, Berge is a holding midfielder, and at 6ft 5 would give the West Ham more physicality. The 21-year-old is not a bad passer of the ball either.

Morgan Sanson

The Frenchman is someone that the Hammers looked at last summer, and reports in France suggest that the London club have revived their interest in the 25-year-old.

Marseille are said to be looking for at least £30m for Sanson, who has been performing well for his team in recent weeks.

Steven Nzonzi

The former Stoke City player is believed to be keen on a move back to England after spending the last six months with Galatasaray.

Nzonzi could well be available on a regular loan deal from Roma if he ends his time in Turkey. He also has experience of playing in the Premier League before.

Franck Kessie

Another player who is reportedly available in the January transfer window, the Ivorian international could be offloaded by AC Milan for around £25m.

He is, however, a more defensive-minded player than Fernandes, and while he is still only 23 years of age, he does not have the same level of potential as the Benfica player.

Joe Allen

The Wales international would undoubtedly be the cheapest signing out of all of the players on this list. He would certainly be a stopgap if other targets are not available this month.

Allen may only still be 29 years of age but his career has tailed off in recent years, having spent the last two seasons with Stoke struggling at the wrong end of the Championship.

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