West Ham ‘pushing’ to close deal for Benfica striker with fee agreed between clubs
West Ham ‘pushing’ to close deal for Benfica striker with fee agreed between clubs
West Ham United are pushing hard to secure the signature of Benfica star Darwin Nunez ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, it has been revealed.
The info comes courtesy of Sky Sports, who name the Uruguayan international as the prime candidate to add some much-needed depth to David Moyes’ frontline.
In fact, it is even suggested that a fee, hitherto undisclosed, has been agreed upon between the Irons’ brass, and their counterparts at Benfica.
Actually pushing a deal over the line prior to the Premier League’s transfer deadline in a little over 24 hours’ time, however, remains complicated. This comes with Nunez currently away on international duty in South America.
The striker, for his part, has bagged a head-turning 20 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this season.
West Ham are pushing to complete a deal for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez on a permanent transfer.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 30, 2022
Ekitike an alternative
Should the efforts of the transfer team at the London Stadium to lure Nunez to the English capital fail to bear fruit before the January transfer window slams shut, though, the Hammers appear to have contingency plans very much in place.
This comes with Sky adding that West Ham remain locked in talks with French outfit Reims, over the potential addition of up-and-coming talent Hugo Ekitike.
19-year-old attacker Ekitike has enjoyed an impressive campaign to date, racking up eight goals and two assists across 18 appearances in Ligue 1.
The Reims standout was actually previously expected to link up with another of the Premier League’s clubs – in the form of Newcastle – earlier this month, only for a deal to fall through at the last:
🚨 Have learned that #NUFC are in advanced talks to sign Reims wonderkid Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth just shy of £30m – the highest scoring teenager in Europe’s top five leagues. More to follow.
With @GraemeBailey/@90min_Footballhttps://t.co/jAoL3vjKu5
— Toby Cudworth (@Toby_Cudworth) January 10, 2022
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