Chelsea will target West Ham star Manuel Lanzini if he maintains performances, says Garth Crooks

Garth Crooks has warned that Chelsea could steal ‘magician’ Manuel Lanzini after he led West Ham to their biggest win of the season.

The east London side travelled to Huddersfield Town in a thrilling battle as both teams looked to move away from the relegation zone.

Mark Noble and Marko Arnautovic’s goals got David Moyes’ men off to a superb start, but it was Manuel Lanzini's second-half double which snatches the headlines.

Lanzini scored twice in five minutes during an impressive spell of pressure from the Hammers, who climbed above Huddersfield to 11^th in the Premier League table with a 4-1 victory.

The 24-year-old Argentinian has proved he is a key player at West Ham despite a slow start to the season, but Garth Brooks believes he could be lined up to replace Cesc Fabregas at Chelsea.

“The skilful Argentine was like a sorcerer’s apprentice weaving his magic and left the John Smith’s stadium with the Terriers will under his spell,” Garth Crooks wrote in his BBC Sport column.

“What was so impressive was the way Lanzini, with West Ham already 3-1 up, raced 40 yards to support Marko Arnautovic in order to administer Hudderfield’s last rites.

“The finish was equal to the work and endeavour the player put in throughout the match.

“The only problem I can foresee is that if Lanzini keeps playing like this, how long before Chelsea come knocking on the door? Cesc Fabregas is not getting any younger you know.”