Tomas Soucek: Pundit makes 'under the radar' claim after West Ham source's reveal
Tying Tomas Soucek down to a new contract would be a "good bit of business" from West Ham ahead of the summer, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider heralded the 26-year-old as an "under the radar" star for the Hammers.
As revealed by Football Insider last Friday (11 February), West Ham are set to open talks over a new deal for Soucek in order to ward off interest from Premier League and European clubs.
The Czech star has been instrumental for the Irons since joining on an initial loan that was turned permanent for £15million.
Hutton admitted Soucek has been in the shadow of Declan Rice this season.
However, he insisted the 2020 signing is someone the Irons should build around in midfield.
Hutton told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "He's a key part in that midfield. I think Declan Rice takes a lot of the plaudits from everybody and rightly so.
"So Soucek just goes about his business quietly. He kind of flies under the radar and does what he needs to do. He was flying last season, scoring goals, getting into the box.
"Sometimes you do have a little dip in form but he's always maintained a high level of performance. They didn't even spend that much on him, if my memory serves me right.
"To tie him down, he's a main part of the team and they'll want to build on that. They'll want to keep him, Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and add quality to push on.
"They'll want to push to the next level to really compete for the top four moving forward. I think it's a good bit of business all round."
Soucek has played 86 times for West Ham so far, with 16 goals under his belt.
He has netted three times in 32 games this season.