Manuel Lanzini can take a significant step towards a permanent West Ham deal in tonight’s Premier League derby against Tottenham.
The Argentine has been plagued by a thigh injury in recent weeks but is back to full fitness and looks certain to be in Slaven Bilic’s team for what the West Ham manager describes as a “huge game for both clubs”.
Lanzini joined on a season-long loan from UAE club Al-Jazira last summer and has impressed Bilic sufficiently that negotiations for a permanent deal are at an advanced stage, with West Ham paying £7.4million for the 22-year-old.
West Ham have what is described by a club source as an “irrevocable contract with Lanzini and his club which we can invoke at any time up until the end of April.”
Before making the move permanent, however, West Ham will want to assure themselves that Lanzini, who scored their only goal in a 4-1 defeat at White Hart Lane earlier this season, remains fit.
Another West Ham midfield star, Cheikhou Kouyate, is also considering an improved offer from the club.
Dimitri Payet, meanwhile, says he thrives on the pressure of being West Ham’s star player.
“I have enjoyed the responsibility and feel that it motivates me,” said Payet, who has been outstanding since signing from Marseille at the beginning of the season.
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“It helps me to perform consistently. When I was injured the team did suffer but many other attacking players were missing as well. Now we have got everyone fit again we are back on track.
“I am happy with how I have performed this season and how the team are doing so far.”
The 28-year-old French international also believes that tonight’s Spurs are good enough to lift the Premier League this season.
“They are only two points behind Leicester so I think they have a squad good enough to win the League,” he said.
West Ham will be without Enner Valencia, James Tomkins, Winston Reid and suspended Sam Byram for tonight’s match while Victor Moses is a doubt after picking up a knock in training.
Striker Diafra Sakho looks certain to be back in the squad after three months out with a thigh injury.
