Guido Rodriguez has emerged as a prime target for River Plate but there is competition for the West Ham midfielder’s services.

The Argentine arrived at the London Stadium two summers ago as part of the Tim Steidten-led recruitment drive for then-boss Julen Lopetegui, but has fallen completely out of favour.

Rodriguez joined West Ham on a free transfer after leaving Real Betis but saw his involvement decrease markedly last term when Graham Potter replaced Lopetegui, and under both the Englishman and Nuno Espirito Santo he’s been virtually a non-factor this season, with just three appearances in all competitions.

As the previous transfer window was nearing its close Rodriguez was liked with a free transfer exit from West Ham which didn’t ultimately happen, but ahead of the January market the race appears to be hotting up for his services.

Marcelo Gallardo wants Guido Rodriguez at River Plate

According to El Intransigente River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo’s “dream signing” is Rodriguez as he looks to bring in a “top-class midfielder” to replace the exit-bound Enzo Perez.

The 31-year-old is believed to want out of West Ham himself, with the World Cup next summer thought to be a key consideration as Lionel Scaloni wants him playing regular football.

Gallardo wants to offer him that in his home country but reportedly faces significant threats in the transfer race.

Real Betis, Espanyol and Club America are all vying for the World Cup winner ahead of the winter window, and although Rodriguez is said to prefer staying in Europe for another year River are “persisting” with their pursuit.

West Ham eye Kobbie Mainoo as replacement

It goes without saying that Rodriguez’s move hasn’t panned out, which can unfortunately be said about most of what looked like an exciting window in summer 2024.

The midfield has been an issue throughout the doomed reigns of Lopetegui and Potter, and in the early throws of Nuno’s prior to some improved results of late.

That Tomas Soucek remains arguably the most effective option in the squad is a measure of how badly the succession planning in the middle of the park has gone, so the Hammers need to hasten the exit of any failed acquisitions in January to restock as best they can.

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