West Ham United are set to make an improved bid for Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Previous bids

As previously reported by The Guardian, the Hammers are keen on signing the 29-year-old Belgian before next Thursday’s transfer deadline.

After the Irons had an initial £8m rejected, reports claim that an improved bid was submitted to Brugge, with the east London club reportedly waiting on a response.

However, new information has now emerged which contradicts these proceedings.

The Latest: Sheth’s news

Sheth has now shared news surrounding West Ham’s approach to the Vanaken deal, revealing that a further offer hasn't actually been made yet, and will go in this week instead.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Improved bid for Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken to go in this week. #WHUFC”

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The Verdict: Get it done…

When looking at the Belgium international’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why David Moyes is so keen on bringing him to the London Stadium this summer, given his defensive strengths and his clinical nature in the final third.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 29-year-old ranks in the top two percent for aerials won, in the top three percent for progressive passes, in the top six percent for interceptions and in the top seven percent for non-penalty goals.

The stats-based website even compares his skill-set to Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen.

With such a vast range of qualities on and off the ball, Vanaken would be able to add goals to West Ham’s game whilst adding a real experienced presence through the spine of the XI.

GSB should do all they can to secure the player's signature before next week's transfer deadline.