It has all been quiet on the Maxi Gomez front for West Ham United of late.
Celta Vigo star Gomez was West Ham’s prime striker target coming into the summer window.
There has been claim and counter claim over the cost, availability and chances of a deal going ahead.
The likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona were cited as more likely destinations for the 22-year-old Uruguayan.
Gomez to West Ham dies a death
Speculation has died down in recent weeks.
But the Gomez story appears to have taken a new – and unexpected – twist.
It is a twist that could see Gomez partnering Javier Hernandez up front next season. Just not for West Ham.
Reports from Spain claim Valencia have entered negotiations for Gomez.
Report makes Valencia claim
According to respected outlet Marca Valencia have offered Santi Mina plus cash in a bid to land the West Ham target.
The report mentions West Ham’s interest but says Valencia could tempt Celta with a deal of £20million plus Mina.
That could mean one of two scenarios for West Ham.
The Hammers’ own striker Javier Hernandez has long been linked with a move to Valencia.
Pellegrini lumbered with expensive and unhappy Mexican
West Ham are desperate to get the highest paid player in the club’s history off their wage bill to help facilitate a move for Gomez.
By the same token Valencia are unlikely to be able to afford both players and their wages.
As a result West Ham face not only missing out on Gomez but also being lumbered with an unhappy Chicharito picking up £140,000 per week.
Of course Valencia may have the fund to pursue a move for the Mexican to pair him up front with Gomez should they manage to beat West Ham to his signature.
Pellegrini has also been linked with moves for Aleksandar Mitrovic, Danny Welbeck (Football London) and Edin Dzeko.