West Ham United have been linked with a new move to sign Barcelona and Denmark striker Martin Braithwaite.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for Braithwaite since last summer.
It is one of the worst kept secrets in football that David Moyes is looking to bring a new forward to West Ham this summer.
The Scot simply cannot go into the new season with injury-prone Michail Antonio as West Ham’s only senior striker.
West Ham still want Barca forward Braithwaite – reports
According to a recent report from Sport, Braithwaite – who is set to face West Ham duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals – is still wanted by Moyes.
And speculation over a move to West Ham has persisted despite Mundo Deportivo claiming the former Middlesbrough player wants to remain at Barcelona.
But now club insiders Claret and Hugh have moved to pour cold water over the claims, insisting West Ham simply aren’t interested.
Insiders question ex Boro’ forward’s goal record and pour cold water on Hammers claims
“West Ham’s interest in Martin Braithwaite is continuing to be reported in Spain but we’ve got some doubts!” Claret and Hugh state.
“We do need a striker, that much is sure.
“But we can’t see how a deal for the Denmark international would work in our favour, given his wages and his inability to hit the back of the net!”
The reference to Braithwaite’s scoring record is a salient point.
West Ham need a goalscorer and Braithwaite has an overall career record of less than one in every four games.
He has netted 93 goals in 401 club career matches. And the striker’s record worsens at international level as the man supposedly wanted by Moyes has 10 in 54 for Denmark.
Moyes must act fast over other supposed prime targets
But is is not just up front where Moyes needs to strengthen. A defender is needed too.