West Ham United have opened talks over making Manuel Lanzini's loan move permanent in the January transfer window, sources have told ESPN FC.
Lanzini has impressed at Upton Park after joining on a season-long deal from United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira in the summer.
The Argentine attacker, who is nicknamed "The Jewel," has scored two goals and created one assist in nine Premier League games so far this season and his performances have not gone unnoticed among rival clubs.
West Ham have the option to sign the 22-year-old permanently at the end of the season, but sources told ESPN FC that the Hammers are ready to push for an early deal rather than risk losing him to another club at the end of his loan spell.
With Hammers boss Slaven Bilic a big fan of the player, officials have now begun talks with Al Jazira as they look to strike a deal when the transfer window reopens in January. However, the UAE side are holding out for a fee of around £8 million.