West Ham have made enquiries about Anderlecht attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens, according to reports in the Belgian media.

Newspaper La Derniere Heure claims that the Hammers are “keen” on snapping up the “highly sought after” 20-year-old.

Graham Potter’s side are hoping to take advantage of the fact that Stroeykens is closing in on the final year of his contract.

Anderlecht are not prepared to let him leave on a free transfer next summer so they are open to selling him now.

West Ham are not the only team pursuing the player

La Derniere Heure believe that the Irons will be joined by both Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt in the battle for Stroeykens’s services.

At the moment, no team has tabled a formal bid for the Belgian Under-21 international, with initial contact only being made, but that is expected to change over the coming weeks.

What do fans need to know about Stroeykens?

The youngster came through Anderlecht’s academy, making his senior debut against KAS Eupen in January 2021, playing the last 5 minutes of the 2-0 defeat.

Stroeykens has subsequently gone on to make 130 appearances in all competitions, finding the back of the net 15 times and contributing 14 assists. He generally plays a No.10, but he can be deployed in central midfield or even as a false nine if needed.

Based on the position he plays, it’s likely that the Belgian is being targeted as a potential replacement for either Lucas Paqueta or Carlos Soler. The former could be banned from football if he is found guilty of spot-fixing, and even if he is found innocent, there is speculation that he could move to Manchester City or even return to Brazil. Soler, meanwhile, is expected to return to Paris Saint-Germain once his loan spell at the London Stadium comes to an end next month.

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