A European giant has admitted defeat in keeping their star player but Liverpool have the edge over West Ham as bargain fee is revealed.
The last thing West Ham want to hear when they’re trying to sign a player is that Liverpool are interested too.
West Ham are massive as everybody knows by now – but the Reds operate at a different level. And usually there’s only one winner if the two clubs face off for a player – with the famous exception of Lucas Neill.
The Hammers are looking everywhere to try and sign a striker for new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Liverpool’s own new boss Arne Slot is also reportedly keen to sign a forward to spearhead the post Jurgen Klopp era.
And that appears to have set West Ham and Liverpool on a collision course over one star in particular.
Baris Alper Yilmaz was undoubtedly one of the standout stars of Euro 2024 as he shone for Turkey.
Giants admit defeat in keeping star
Yilmaz has been linked with West Ham over the last week who impressed technical director Tim Steidten with his pace and relentless running up front.
Yilmaz is an all action striker who chases lost causes, harries defenders and boasts great ability on the ball.
So it’s easy to see why West Ham want him. It was reported at the weekend that Yilmaz has flown to London, where he has been pictured enjoying the sights, amid the interest from the Hammers.
That set pulses racing among West Ham fans.
But with the Hammers circling Liverpool came in to try and hijack a move for Yilmaz.
It had been unclear whether Gala would actually even consider selling their talisman, though.
Until now.
Because the Turkish giants have admitted defeat in keeping Yilmaz but Liverpool have the edge over West Ham.
Liverpool have the edge over West Ham for bargain forward
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Galatasaray are aware of the interest in Yilmaz and his desire for a new challenge.
But while the club’s bosses want to keep the 24 year-old attacker, they are open to selling him for a bargain £25m.
“Galatasaray are aware of the interest in Baris Alper Yilmaz and his motivation for a new challenge!” Plettenberg said.
“But the bosses are trying to keep their 24 year-old winger. Contract valid until 2027. Currently, Galatasaray is only open to offers starting at 30 million euros (£25m).
“Yilmaz with inquiries from the Bundesliga, Serie A and the Premier League.”
But the bad news for West Ham is that Liverpool have the edge over the Hammers according to Ajansspor.
“Premier League giant Liverpool stepped in for the transfer.
“Yılmaz attracted the attention of European teams. Especially teams from the Premier League such as Tottenham, and West Ham United took the national football player on their radar…
“Barıs Alper is in London! On the other hand, Baris Alper Yilmaz’s departure to London after EURO 2024 strengthened the Liverpool claims. The star football player shared a photo from London.”
Hammers options narrowing
If the Reds beat West Ham to Yilmaz then it leaves Lopetegui and Steidten in a difficult position.
The Hammers have turned down the chance to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin after being offered the Everton striker by an agent.
Fellow injury-prone forward Callum Wilson, who has also been linked with the Irons, is out for at least a month or more with a back issue.
And another prime Lopetegui striker target signed for a rival suitor last night.
Should Liverpool win the race for Duran it would seem all paths now lead to Jhon Duran or Ivan Toney for the Hammers.
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