Transfer Rumors: West Ham Goalkeeper Target Also Drawing Interest From Southampton

KEY POINTS

Thomas Strakosha of Lazio will not fall short of options in the transfer window
Southampton also wants to acquire the services of Strakosha
Strakosha is unlikely to get regular playing time, with Lazio sticking with Pepe Reina

Thomas Strakosha made a good account of himself when he was called to hold the fort in two of SS Lazio's last three games.

He managed to keep a clean slate against Parma and Torino, but it appears this is only a short-term opportunity.

West Ham United is reportedly interested in the 26-year-old goalkeeper, and Lazio is open to selling him.

However, it seems Biancocelesti may have another potential taker--with reports that Southampton is also expressing interest to take him in.

Considering that Strakosha is no longer the first option of Simone Inzaghi, who opts to start Pepe Reina, the two clubs are options moving forward.

Strakosha has only seen action in eight Serie A games thus far.

With Strakosha entering the final year of his contract, Lazio is expected to listen to the offers for him.

He is not short of suitors. Aside from West Ham and Southampton, Bologna is another team in the mix.

But of the three teams, the Hammers are the ones aggressively pursuing the Albanian player.

Back in January, they tried to sign Strakosha, but nothing went down.

Hence, the goalkeeper is still pretty much available and will be someone to watch.

The Saints have been keeping tabs on the situation of Strakosha and are believed to be considering him as someone who can strengthen the cause of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Also, it would be fair to note that Strakosha and Lazio are open to mutually parting ways.

That was something most saw happening in the winter--with the former refusing to sign a new contract.

When the Albanian drew interest from Borussia Dortmund, the Eagles set a hefty price tag of £25million ($35 million on him) at the time.

Considering he is only 26, Strakosha could be someone who may eventually take over from Lukasz Fabianski.

Although he remains reliable for West Ham, David Moyes is believed to be skimming the market, considering that the Polish is already past his prime.

Taking in Strakosha makes sense for the Irons. However, their determination will be put to the test with teams like Southampton and Bologna FC also monitoring his next move.