West Ham United have been linked with a move for defender Guillermo Maripan.
The Hammers are said to be targeting two new strikers, two defenders, a back-up goalkeeper and box-to-box midfielder this summer.
Manuel Pellegrini knows he must sell fringe players to raise extra funds.
The likes of Claret & Hugh have reported the Chilean’s base budget will be £30million.
Respected Spanish source makes Maripan claim
And now a new report has named the figure West Ham must match to activate the buyout clause of Pellegrini’s countryman Maripan.
Respected Spanish sports outlet Marca claims West Ham are serious about the 24-year-old centre-back.
The report claims West Ham have started the bidding at around £10million.
But Marca says the Hammers will have to double their offer to around £21million to activate Maripan’s buyout clause.
Sharp rise in value tells its own story
That is some mark-up given Alaves paid Universidad Catolica just £2.5million two years ago.
It is a testament to the player’s ability, though, as he has helped lead Alaves to the brink of a European spot in La Liga.
Pellegrini may feel bringing Maripan in will give him enough cover in central defence.
Coming in for £21 million it would be unlikely he would be kicking his heels on the bench.
West Ham’s Chilean connection
West Ham already have Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop with Angelo Ogbonna as back-up.
There is also Declan Rice who can drop in to his old position if needed.
Much will depend on how many players Pellegrini can get off the books this summer.
Sky Sports claims the Hammers are willing to listen to offers for as many as nine of them.
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