West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has been trying to bring his compatriot Guillermo Maripan to the club this summer.
West Ham have been linked with a £10-15million move for the 6ft 4in star (Mundo Deportivo and The Sun).
Marca recently claimed Maripan’s club Alaves did not field the 25-year-old in their last two La Liga fixtures as they did not want to jeopardise his potential move to West Ham.
The rangy centre back has been one of the stars of the Copa America with Chile.
Photo by MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL AFP Getty Images
West Ham target Maripan impressing in Copa America
Maripan has twice been named in the team of the round.
The West Ham target’s performances as he helped Chile to a semi-final clash with Peru on Thursday.
Speaking before the Copa, Maripan gave West Ham plenty of encouragement.
“Since I was little, I always liked the Premier League,” Maripan is quoted as telling Goal ES.
“It’s a great challenge on a personal level. It’s my second season in Europe, I feel very good in Spain, but I would like to go to the Premier League.”
The Chilean then insisted his full focus was on the Copa America campaign.
Photo by Alexandre Schneider Getty Images
Defender opens up on future
But now he has once again commented on his club future.
And it seems he is not going to be actively pushing for a move away from Alaves.
“I do not know if it is time to change clubs,” Maripan told reporters, as cited by Marca.
“I am very comfortable at Deportivo Alaves and now I’m focused on the Copa America and the team.
“I’m not thinking about that (my future).”
Photo by Arfa Griffiths West Ham United via Getty Images
Excellent performances are good and bad news for Hammers
Marca claims West Ham transfer chief Mario Husillos has been monitoring the Spain-based defender since last summer.
His excellent performances at the Copa will enthuse Husillos and West Ham fans.
As a result it could also be bad news for West Ham.
Maripan’s displays will have also alerted the attentions of rival clubs. And with the Hammers focused on trying to sign a striker it may allow another club to swoop.