West Ham United may have fresh hope of landing prime target Youssef En-Nesyri.
Manager labels rival West Ham bid for star “weak and pathetic”
David Moyes had given up on bringing a permanent striker signing to West Ham this month.
That’s according to West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh.
The Hammers have just one senior striker in the shape of injury-prone converted winger Michail Antonio after the sale of Sebastien Haller.
Moyes admits striker struggles
And Moyes told The Evening Standard yesterday his attempts to sign a replacement have been hampered by the fact clubs know West Ham have £20million in their back pocket.
The Scot has been linked with a host of strikers. But Sevilla forward En-Nesyri was said to be his number one target (The Athletic).
West Ham were knocked back by the La Liga side last weekend.
But a new report has emerged from Spain this week stating West Ham have upped their bid for En-Nesyri to £35m (La Razon as also reported by Sport Witness).
And maybe, just maybe, there is a glimmer of hope a deal could yet be done after a new report from Football Espana claimed Sevilla are close to agreeing a move for Atalanta forward Papu Gomez.
New hope of En-Nesyri deal as Sevilla close in on forward signing?
Sevilla are said to want more guile up front. The Argentine has that in abundance and can play up front or as a winger.
Sevilla are said to be confident of signing Gomez for just £7-8m.
Indeed Italian transfer guru Nicolo Schira claims Gomez has already agreed personal terms with the Spanish club.
If the deal comes off, Sevilla may be inclined to sell En-Nesyri for a reasonable profit and bank the difference.
Sevilla clearing a path for En-Nesyri to join West Ham or just another false dawn for Hammers fans?
To make the situation even more intriguing, En-Nesyri has reportedly made clear he is ‘seduced’ by the idea of a move to West Ham (Sport).
“The idea is for Gomez to join Sevilla on a loan with a compulsory purchase option in June believed to be between €8m and €10m,” Football Espana reports.
“Both parties are said to be optimistic a deal can be reached.
“Gomez has been an instrumental part of the Atalanta side that’s taken Europe by storm in recent years.”
It seems there could be a twist in the tail yet.
Or will it be yet another false dawn for Hammers fans?
We hope this is a case of two plus two equals four rather than five.
And hope is all we have as West Ham fans.