According to reports in the Spanish media, Deportivo Alaves plan to sell Guillermo Maripan to West Ham. Marca claims that Alaves will not play Maripan in their last few games to avoid him picking up an injury that would jeopardise a summer move.
West Ham have been strongly linked with the Chile international. And Alaves want to sell him for his €25m release clause (around £21.5m).
The 25-year-old has been injured since mid-April after picking up a knock in a La Liga match. But even though he is set to return to fitness, Alaves do not want to risk him.
Alaves are ready to cash in on Maripan and reinvest that money in their playing squad. The Hammers appear to have been given the green light for this transfer.
Where would Guillermo Maripan fit in at West Ham?
Maripan stands at 6ft 4in tall and he is renowned for his physicality. His tackling stats rank among the best in the Spanish top-flight and he has scored two goals this season to demonstrate his aerial prowess.
West Ham could be in the market for a new centre-back. With Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena, the Irons have a strong first-choice partnership.
Angelo Ogbonna provides back-up but injury-prone Kiwi Winston Reid and wantaway youngster Reece Oxford face uncertain futures in East London.
Maripan would add a fourth option in central defence and could team up with fellow Chilean Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham.
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