Time to look elsewhere: West Ham a bit silly to prepare new deal for damaged attacker.

According to Football Insider, West Ham United are open to fresh contract talks with Argentine Manuel Lanzini in the coming weeks.

The attacking midfielder, who has been riddled with injuries since joining the Hammers on a permanent deal in 2016, is out of contract next year but the club have an option to extend it by two years or more until the summer of 2022.

Apparently, a West Ham source has told Football Insider that the club are eager to tie the Argentine technical whippet down to a long-term deal that replaces the £70,000-a-week agreement he signed three years ago.

Negotiations will begin following the end of a fairly disappointing Premier League season as the club’s board work on keeping hold of their star men – Marko Arnautovic another one of those whose future is in doubt following interest from China.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini is said to be a huge admirer of the playmaker, who has managed 108 appearances for the club in four years, scoring 20 and making 17 in the process. But as it stands, there is scant little to be impressed with.

Lanzini has only recently returned from a one-year spell out of the team due to a rupturing his cruciate ligament and while he was a quality player beforehand, the injury has most certainly taken its toll, with the Argentine looking less than sharp.

Considering more than £70,000 is due to be tabled, it might be more prudent to look elsewhere and continue what has been a fairly promising couple of transfer windows.

Especially considering the interest in current stars.

West Ham fans, should Lanzini be offered a new contract or would you rather see fresh talent brought in? Join the discussion by commenting below...