West Ham plans £26m bid for Barcelona midfielder Casado

West Ham United is actively pursuing Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado as part of their efforts to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes. Barcelona has set an asking price of around £25.8 million for the 21-year-old La Masia graduate, who is highly regarded for his technical skill and defensive tenacity. Despite Casado's affection for Barcelona and desire to continue there, competition for playing time from Frenkie De Jong and Marc Bernal, as well as his recent injury, have put his future at the club in question. West Ham's initial bid for Casado is reportedly unlikely to succeed, but the club remains interested and may submit a higher offer. Additionally, West Ham is exploring other midfield options, including Southampton's Mateus Fernandes and Chelsea's Andrey Santos, while also preparing to loan out Edson Alvarez to Fenerbahce. The club faces pressure to improve after a poor Premier League start and aims to reinforce its squad in the final days of the transfer window.