According to reports in Spain, Deportivo Alaves have two Premier League strikers on their radar. Newcastle United’s Joselu and West Ham’s Lucas Perez feature on Alaves’ wishlist, AS reports.
West Ham are hoping to offload Perez this summer. Alaves are said to be keen on the Hammers outcast (The Sun). But landing Joselu could end Alaves’ pursuit of Perez this summer.
Lucas Perez at West Ham
Perez joined West Ham from Arsenal last summer. However, he has failed to nail down a regular spot in the side. Manuel Pellegrini has preferred other options, despite Perez netting six times in all competitions.
As a result of his lack of playing time, the 30-year-old is keen to leave West Ham this summer. The Spaniard could return to his home country if he is offered a deal by a La Liga club.
This report by The Sun suggests the Irons will let Perez leave for just £2m this summer. With a reported pay packet of £80k-per-week (Football.London), West Ham want to get rid so that their wage bill can be trimmed.
Joselu deal could spoil Hammers hopes
However, Newcastle will be equally desperate to sell Joselu. The 29-year-old Spanish striker has scored seven goals in 52 games for the Magpies since his move from Stoke City.
His time at St James’ Park has been disastrous and all parties seem keen to secure his permanent exit. It could now be a case of West Ham and Newcastle trying to offer their outcast striker to the mid-table Spanish side.
Alaves looked set to sign Perez from West Ham. But now it seems they are weighing up their options with Joselu also being considered. This could ruin West Ham’s hopes of getting Perez off their books.
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