Vlasic vs Lingard: who will win the game of bluff

As we enter the business end of the transfer window in earnest things are hotting up for West ham.

The long running saga of Jesse Lingard's future will soon be concluded but with news that (1) Niko Vlasic is close to signing, and (2) reports that David Moyes has met with Jesse Lingard, it's hard not to sense that there is a game of bluff going on. 

Vlasic is just 23 and has greatly matured since his disappointing spell at Everton a few years back and has won player of the year in the Russian league to underline his considerable potential. His craft and pace would fit in well with the Moyes counterattacking system.

However, Lingard has proven that he can deliver in Moyes set up and at 28 still has a few years left on the clock. With just a year left on his Man Utd contract a fee of £15million is reasonable business and it seems unlikely that he will get much first team action under Solksjaer with the arrival of Sancho and Ronaldo. 

All of which raises the question - are the Hammers preparing to sign both players? With Europa League action added to this year's mix Moyes needs back up and both Yarmolenko and Lanzini are the wrong side of career changing injuries. 

We could see a stampede of activity - both in and out over the coming days...for example, could Yarmo be offered to CSKA as part payment for Vlasic? 

Meanwhile, we still need a striker. It is simply crazy to not have back up for Antonio and will almost certainly catch up on the club as the season progresses. Moreover, the current set up with just one striker surely adds to the attractiveness of West ham for an up and coming talent?

GSB have learned from previous campaigns to keep business out of the media eye, adding to the sense of uncertainty.

Buckle up, it's about to get crazy!