West Ham expect £27 million loanee to return

CandH Exclusive by Hughie Southon

Nikola Vlasic looks set for a return to West Ham this summer after spending a year’s loan spell at Torino.

Bought by David Moyes for around £27 million the attacking midfielder had few chances to impress at the London Stadium and eventually the club were pleased to take up the loan offer.

But after 27 Serie A appearances and just four goals the Hammers board believe it unlikely the Italian outfit will take up the permanent stay option on the Croatian.

The player made a fine start to his Italian excursion scoring three times on the trot in August and September.

But since then he has found the net just once against Sampdoria in November which has raised considerable doubts over him remaining at the club

And speaking to CandH this morning a key source declared: “Torino have an option at the end of the season, but we don’t think they’ll take it up.”

However, Arthur Masuaku is all set to remain at Besiktas on account of his improved form since returning from injury.

The Hammers loanee had been thought at one time to have blown his chances but reports now claim the Turkish club want him to remain under the terms of the deal agreed with the Hammers.