West Ham open talks over €20m-rated striker wanted by quartet of clubs
West Ham have reportedly opened dialogue over a move for Portimonense striker Beto ahead of a potential summer swoop.
David Moyes is expected to sign a new frontman after failing to replace Sebastien Haller during the January transfer window. The Ivory Coast international joined Ajax after struggling to make an impact at the London Stadium.
That left Michail Antonio as Moyes’ main central attacking option. When fit the 31-year-old has been a productive option for the Hammers, but injuries have often blighted him.
The likes of Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney have been mentioned as potential options for West Ham.
However, Portuguese outlet Record states that the Hammers have inquired over Beto’s availability.
There is expected to be strong competition for the 23-year-old. Atalanta, as well as Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and CSKA Moscow have also shown an interest.
But it’s Benfica who appear to be the frontrunners, with a report claiming they’ve offered Portimonense €8million (£6.9m) for 70% of the forward’s rights. They are also ready to hand Beto a €1m-a-season (£16.6k-a-week) contract.
Despite that offer, the report adds that Benfica are not too confident of striking a deal for the 11-goal hitman. That’s due to the fact that Portimonense value the player at nearer to €20m (£17.2m). That is half the value of his release clause.
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West Ham favourites to land Belotti
Meanwhile, West Ham have emerged as surprise front runners to sign Torino striker, Andrea Belotti this summer, according to reports in Italy.
The East London outfit are among a host of clubs interested in the 27-year-old, but Torino Granata (via Sport Witness) believe they have the ‘best chance’ of landing his signature in the upcoming transfer window. Among other clubs strongly linked with the Italian are Serie A outfit, Roma.
Amid rumours that Maurizio Sarri was set to take over in the managerial hotseat at the Stadio Olimpico, it was believed that he would make Belotti a prime transfer target upon his arrival at the club.
However, the monumental appointment of Jose Mourinho in the Italian capital has somewhat dispelled these rumours, with the Portuguese manager set to take the reins at the beginning of next season.
As a result of this, the Italian publication have cited sources close to them as saying that David Moyes’ side are the favourites to land Belotti’s signature.
The 27-year-old striker is out of contract in June 2022. Torino may need to offload him this summer to prevent him leaving for free next season.
He has been a revelation for the Turin outfit since his switch from Palermo. Indeed, Belotti has scored 12 goals and recorded seven assists in the Serie A this season.
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