The Hammers have zeroed in on Vanaken as a potential attacking midfield target, with boss David Moyes keen to inject more creativity into his squad.
Vanaken is a player West Ham have tried and failed to recruit in past windows, but they are determined to take him to London this time around, with the player also keen for that to happen.
The Irons have seen Club Brugge reject their initial €10m offer for the midfielder but they are tipped to return to the negotiating table with a new bid.
But the Belgians are keen to keep hold of Vanaken beyond the ongoing window as they have Champions League football on the agenda this term and he is a key player in their squad.
And amidst strong interest from West Ham, Club Brugge are trying to tie Vanaken down to a new deal and are in talks with him over extending his contract by one year on improved financial terms.
However, according to Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad, Vanaken remains keen on leaving the Jan Breydel Stadium this summer as he wants to play for the Irons.
Vanaken, who wants to test himself in the Premier League, is also aware of the financial benefits a move to England can bring him and is hoping an improved offer from West Ham could convince his side to allow him to leave.
In September 2020, Vanaken signed a new deal at Club Brugge just days after they rejected a €15m bid for him from West Ham, but the player is unlikely do the same this time around.
