A star striker has jetted to London and has a choice to make between West Ham and Liverpool after a hijack from Arne Slot.
West Ham are desperately trying to sign a new striker for their new era under Julen Lopetegui.
Liverpool are also said to be in the market for a new forward for their own fresh start under Arne Slot.
It was not all that long ago that Liverpool allegedly wanted West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten to head up their recruitment.
Steidten even admitted to being flattered by the links after seriously impressing during his first window with the Hammers last summer.
The lure of full control over the football operation in east London meant West Ham were able to fend off Liverpool’s reported interest, though.
Hammers must deal with Reds now for signing
The Reds went in a different direction.
But it seems they are not shy about monitoring Steidten’s movements and taking them one step further.
West Ham have been linked with a plethora of strikers including Jhon Duran, Youssef En-Nesyri, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Sorloth, Armando Broja and Ivan Toney.
It is a new name on the list which emerged over the last week which had captured the imagination of West Ham fans most, though.
But, as seems to be the case with most Hammers transfer deals, things are far from straightforward thanks to Liverpool.
Because star striker Baris Alper Yilmaz has jetted to London to choose between West Ham and Liverpool.
Striker jets to London to choose between West Ham and Liverpool
Yilmaz was undoubtedly one of the standout stars of an otherwise drab Euro 2024 as he shone for Turkey.
The alleged West Ham target set the tempo for the young, vibrant Turkey side with his relentless running up front.
Yilmaz chased lost causes, harried defenders, showed great pace and ability on the ball and most importantly of all a superb attitude to win.
Now Ajansspor has reported Yilmaz has flown to London, where he has been pictured enjoying the sights, amid the interest from the Hammers.
No sooner had the 24-year-old touched down in London, though, than Liverpool came in to try and hijack West Ham’s move.
Just yesterday it was claimed West Ham are hopeful of getting a deal done for the Galatasaray star.
But the report states not only have Liverpool entered the running, they have leapfrogged West Ham by making an official bid worth £25m.
“Galatasaray’s star player Barış Alper Yılmaz went to London after Euro 2024,” the report states.
“Premier League giant Liverpool stepped in for the transfer.
No wonder Reds are interested after what he did to Van Dijk
“Yılmaz attracted the attention of European teams. Especially teams from the Premier League such as Liverpool, Tottenham, and West Ham United took the national football player on their radar…
“Barıs Alper is in London! On the other hand, Baris Alper Yılmaz’s departure to London after EURO 2024 strengthened the Liverpool claims. The star football player shared a photo from London.”
While West Ham have been mulling a move for the Euro star, it has left the door ajar for Liverpool and new manager Slot to pounce.
And West Ham could now pay a heavy price given Yilmaz brings a bit of everything to the table and can even play out wide.
It’s no wonder Liverpool are interested after Yilmaz gave their captain Virgil van Dijk the run around during one of the best games of the Euros.
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