Jacob Steinberg has given reassurances over the West Ham striker chase as Dharmesh Sheth says a deal for Yuri Alberto is off.
West Ham are pushing to sign a new striker before the summer transfer window shuts on Friday night.
Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is reported to have been in France for talks with PSG over their striker Hugo Ekitike and then Rabat for discussions with Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri of late.
That was after two separate trips to Holland either side of a visit to Germany in the last couple of weeks to seal deals for Edson Alvarez, Dinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus.
Steidten was off on his travels again last Sunday when it was reported he had jetted to Brazil with a view to doing a deal for Corinthians for forward Yuri Alberto with Flamengo’s Pedro and Santos wonderkid Leonardo also of interest.
Since then Alberto and Ekitike have emerged as the two prime targets ahead of Friday night’s 11pm shut off.
Yesterday evening Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth claimed Steidten remains in Brazil trying to do a deal for Alberto but that the Hammers were keeping dialogue open with Ekitike as they hedged their bets.
There was a major development on that front last night it seems.
But Jacob Steinberg has given reassurances over the West Ham striker chase as Sheth says a deal for Alberto is off.
“West Ham United unlikely to pursue deal for Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto,” Sheth said last night.
“No resolution on price prompting West Ham to walk away.
“West Ham retain interest in PSG striker Hugo Ekitike and remain in talks with Jesse Lingard’s representatives over a short-term contract.”
Late last night there was an intriguing update from Guardian journalist Steinberg after Sheth’s claim, though.
He confirmed the Alberto move looks doubtful. But the reporter offered reassurance that West Ham have more than one alternative lined up.
“West Ham’s move for Yuri Alberto looking doubtful as they are struggling to agree a fee for the striker with Corinthians,” Steinberg said.
“West Ham have alternative striker targets.”
Some West Ham fans had questioned the move for Alberto having watched footage of him in action.
And some Corinthians fans on social media have been less than complimentary of his talents.
So perhaps the Hammers have dodged a bullet on this one?
Yesterday French football expert Jonathan Johnson delivered the latest from across The Channel on West Ham’s move for Ekitike.
The Hammers have also been linked with Feyenoord’s Santiago Giminez – an international teammate and friend of Edson Alvarez.
Giminez is second to only Erling Haaland in terms of goals for players aged under 23 this year.