Further news from Spain comes in regarding a January transfer target which we have covered before. An attacking midfielder is high on the priority list with our high-ranking source at the club confirming last week that new, faster midfielders were required at West Ham.
But the report that West Ham have had already had an offer rejected for target Brais Mendez needs to be treated with scepticism. Fichajes – who are usually pretty good on the Spanish leagues – claim the Real Sociedad midfielder is a prime target for Julen Lopetegui this winter and that: “Negotiations between both clubs have already begun, although the first offer of the English team, estimated at 60 million euros, did not manage to meet the economic expectations of the Basque club.”
Apparently the Hammers are planning a revised, €70 million bid. I have to say that I’d be surprised if West Ham find seventy million from anywhere just now. Even allowing for the possibility that on-loan Nayef Aguerd’s permanent sale is worked into this deal – at , say, €30 million. That still leaves West Ham to find €40 million (about £35 million) for a twenty seven year old attacking midfielder who is good, but not, on his own the sole target of this window.
So this report needs a large pinch of salt until proven. Of course, we’ll see what we can find out from sources at the club, but can’t see the sense in paying £60 million – blowing most of the budget – on a midfielder whilst there is no incoming striker at the club: Especially in the context of midfielder Carlos Soler’s permanent deal – which is is apparently on the way – at a mere £17 million.
