Report all but rules out West Ham hopes of landing £30million Raul Jimenez as Wolves line up permanent deal

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West Ham United had long been linked with Raul Jimenez before he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.

Indeed the striker could have been lining up alongside fellow Mexican for West Ham.

Reports claimed a move fell through because Jimenez overslept.

But the player himself claims the real reason was simply because West Ham wanted a loan deal rather than to buy him from Atletico outright.

“One day I had a proposal from West Ham and the next day Benfica and that was it,” the 27-year-old told The Express.

West Ham missed out on Jimenez

“Benfica wanted to buy me but West Ham was a loan deal. So that was the thing. It wasn’t anything to do with sleep.”

Two years on he joined Wolves, on loan, and a superb debut season in the Premier League will have West Ham full of regret.

Jimenez has scored 15 goals in 35 games for the newly-promoted side and has assisted several too.

The striker’s red hot form and all round play has seen him top the transfer wishlist of many Hammers fans.

But any hopes Manuel Pellegrini might have of finally bringing Jimenez to London look dead in the water.

Report claims Wolves have £30million permanent deal lined up

That’s because a new report claims a permanent deal has already been agreed between Benfica and Wolves for the summer.

According to The Express and Star, Wolves have an option to buy Jimenez for a fee of around £30million at the end of his season-long loan deal from the Portuguese side.

Crucially it is reported to be ‘an exclusive option’ and the ball is firmly in Wolves’ court.

The Express and Star also claims a contract and wage structure has already been agreed between the parties.

While a late change of heart from Wolves or the player could yet change the situation it seems highly unlikely.

Although West Ham trumping Wolves to seventh place and a potential place in Europe could make things interesting.

Back to the drawing board for Pellegrini?

It leaves Pellegrini with plenty of thinking to do over his striker set.

Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez and Hernandez all look likely to leave.

And Andy Carroll will be released when his contract expires in the summer.

West Ham have been linked with the likes of Maxi Gomez and Aleksandar Mitrovic. But Jimenez is proven in the Premier League and would not need time to settle in.