GiveMeSport
·10 December 2022
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·10 December 2022
West Ham United star Nikola Vlasic is expected to seal his permanent move away from the London Stadium as the Torino loanee is ‘not in David Moyes’ long-term plans’, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The Croatia international only joined the Hammers in a deal worth close to £34million from CSKA Moscow last year, but he is already edging towards the exit door.
According to Claret & Hugh, Vlasic is on the verge of finalising his permanent departure from West Ham.
The report suggests the Hammers are locked in talks with Torino, where the £70,000-per-week winger is currently on loan, and the Serie A side are keen on reaching an agreement.
Vlasic left the London Stadium on a temporary basis during the summer, but there is an option for Torino to make the switch permanent by parting with £15million.
The 25-year-old has no interest in returning to West Ham after he was given little game-time by Moyes following his big-money move to the capital.
Vlasic was restricted to just six Premier League starts last season and, as a result, contributed a solitary goal.
Sheth believes there is a strong possibility that Vlasic has already made his final West Ham appearance after failing to convince Moyes that he should be at the forefront of his thinking.
The journalist feels the Scotsman is not contemplating offering the Torino loanee another opportunity to get his London Stadium career up-and-running.
When asked whether Vlasic is a certainty to leave West Ham next summer, Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “I think so. The deal that he’s got on loan at Torino comes with an option to buy.
“Depending on how the rest of the season goes, the number of appearances he makes and how much Torino like him will dictate whether they will take up that option.
“But it seems pretty obvious that he’s not in David Moyes’ long-term plans.”
Croatia booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after overcoming Brazil in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out on Friday.
Vlasic played a key role in his country overcoming the South American giants as he converted from the spot and was awarded a 6.7 match rating by Sofascore after emerging from the bench.
The former Everton man’s underlying numbers were also impressive as he successfully completed two dribbles and won three ground duels as Croatia battled back from a one-goal deficit to set up a showdown with Argentina as they go in search of a second consecutive World Cup final.
Vlasic’s impact should not have come as a major surprise as he headed to Qatar after already racking up seven goal contributions in 16 Torino appearances this season.