It has been confirmed that a 170-goal striker allegedly wanted by West Ham is now officially a free agent and David Moyes must pounce.
West Ham have long been linked with Italian striker Andrea Belotti.
And a recent report from TuttoSport claimed the 28-year-old Torino forward is still firmly on the Hammers’ radar this summer.
The world and its wife know Moyes is desperate to bring a new striker to West Ham.
The Scot has been trying, without success, to find the right player and get value for money for the last three transfer windows.
Armando Broja is said to be West Ham’s prime striker target this summer. But it is still not known whether Chelsea will see the talented young Albanian.
Torino have been desperately trying to tie Belotti down to a new contract.
Confirmed: 170-goal striker wanted by West Ham is now officially a free agent and David Moyes must pounce
The powerful forward has a proven track record of scoring goals at the very highest level for a sustained period of time.
The 41-capped Italy international has bagged 170 goals in 433 career games for club and country (Transfermarkt).
Belotti is an incredibly hard-working forward. He possesses superb movement and is always a real handful for opposing defenders. The Torino ace certainly knows where the back of the net is as well.
Now it has been confirmed the 170-goal striker wanted by West Ham is officially a free agent and Moyes must pounce.
“Official statement from Torino now confirms Andrea Belotti will not sign a new contract – he’s available on the market as free agent immediately, no full agreement with any club yet,” Italian transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said on Twitter.
“Belotti will make a decision on his future club soon.”
Torino sent a touching goodbye message to the striker.
“Dear Andrea, we acknowledge your decision to begin a new experience, from today we take different paths,” the statement reads (Football Italia).
“We spent seven seasons together, which, in modern football, represent a very solid bond. We always shared with the same passion joys and sufferings, emotions and disappointments.
“We thank you for everything you gave us. Proud of what you have become for Toro, we salute you by wishing you good luck in the continuing of your career.”
Surely it is an absolute no-brainer for Moyes to try and bring Belotti – a man he has been linked with for the last two-and-a-half years – to West Ham on a free.
If he is looking for value for money – as we are led to believe – then he will be hard pushed to find it elsewhere.
At 28 he may not fit Moyes’ Red Bull model exactly. But that hasn’t stopped the manager chasing 29-year-old Jesse Lingard.