West Ham look to recruit Super Eagles midfielder Onyedika during summer transfer window

ENGLISH Premier League side West Ham have stepped up the pursuit of Super eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika with a view to purchasing him from Belgian's Club Brugge during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Onyeadika, 24, has enjoyed a steady rise since joining Club Brugge from Danish club Midtjylland three years ago. A holding midfielder who shields the back four, he is a mixture of strength, technicality and doggedness, which has ensured that he has become a critical member of the Brugge first team.

He has made 141 appearances in his three years at the club, with six goals and four assists to his name. Onyeadika's performances have attracted some big clubs in Europe, with Galatasaray and Liverpool previously linked to him bit now, according to Africa Foot, West Ham are seriously interested in signing the Super Eagles star.

Last season, the Hammers endured a tough campaign, finishing 14th in the English Premier League and will want to improve on that during the next campaign. West Ham lacked proper cover in defensive midfield and in defence, as they had the sixth-worst defence in the Premier League.

They believe that Onyedika will provide them with some defensive solidity in midfield, hence the club's  decision to move for him. According to Transfermarkt, Onyedika is valued at €20m but Africa Foot believes that Bruges will demand €24m before they let their star leave.

Onyedika still has two years left on his contract at Club Brugge but this might be the time to start looking at moving on. Club Brugge are a selling club and if West Ham meet their valuation of Onyedika, they will surely sell.