West Ham United look set to sell Javier Hernandez to Sevilla for £8million.
Hernandez could be about to bring the curtain down on a West Ham career that has never got going.
The striker reportedly handed in a transfer request this week to force through a move to La Liga side Sevilla (The Sun).
Ironically the Mexican forward, 31, looked set for more game time this season after the departures of Lucas Perez, Andy Carroll and Marko Arnautovic.
More game time but Hernandez looks set to depart
Hernandez was behind summer signing Sebastien Haller as first choice striker.
But his impending departure has left some West Ham fans scratching their heads given the lack of alternatives available to Manuel Pellegrini.
The Chilean would not be able to buy a replacement until January.
West Ham could sign an out of contract forward, though.
As you would expect at this stage there is a dearth of quality players without a club.
Ex Premier League duo are options for Pellegrini
The likes of released Spurs star Fernando Llorente have already been snapped up.
So Pellegrini’s only viable options look to be former Premier League strikers Hatem Ben Arfa and Wilfried Bony.
Pellegrini signed Bony for £28million during his time at Manchester City.
The Ivorian is without a club but has been training with Newport County to keep his fitness.
Bad boy Ben worth a gamble?
Former Newcastle and Hull attacker Ben Arfa could prove an inspired signing given his talent but comes with much-publicised ‘bad boy’ baggage.
The Frenchman proved with Rennes last season that he is still immensely capable, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances.
It remains to be seen whether Pellegrini moves quickly for one of those strikers as a back-up for Haller or bides his time to bring in the profile of player the club has been focusing on in recent windows.
A short-term deal until the end of the season could suit all parties in both cases.
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