Kretinsky may ‘pull strings’ to seal ‘big coup’ after West Ham source’s Hlozek reveal – pundit
New West Ham investor Daniel Kretinsky could “pull strings behind the scenes” to secure Adam Hlozek’s signing, according to Alex McLeish.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted capturing the 19-year-old would be a “big coup” for the Hammers.
This site exclusively revealed on Monday (November 22nd) that West Ham are working on a deal to land Sparta Prague sensation Hlozek in January.
The hitman has also been shortlisted as a target by Liverpool.
As first revealed by Football Insider on 22nd April, Jurgen Klopp’s title challengers have monitored Hlozek’s progress in recent months.
New West Ham chief Kretinsky is co-owner and president of Sparta Prague.
As such, McLeish believes the businessman can “use his power” to fend off interest from Liverpool.
“I don’t think you can discount Liverpool in the race, they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“But it’s a case of manipulation and I can see Kretinsky use his power and pull those strings behind the scenes to get this deal done.
“It would be another big coup for West Ham, because as I’ve mentioned many times – their recruitment has been good.
“They’ve been plundering players from the Czech Republic. They’ve come in and shown a really good level over the past couple of years. Now, it looks like they’re ready to do it again.”
West Ham have a significant Czech contingent, with Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral all already at the club.
The Hammers are fourth in the Premier League, just two points adrift of third-place Liverpool.
In other news, West Ham tipped to make “massive Declan Rice statement” after “brilliant development”.