West Ham United have submitted an opening bid to sign Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
The Hammers are looking for a prolific sharpshooter to lead the line next season, and several strikers have been linked with a move to the London Stadium.
The club have settled on Sorloth, and technical director Tim Steidten is keen to wrap up a deal to sign him. However, there’s a gap in valuation between clubs.
The Hammers have tabled an opening proposal worth £25 million, but the Spanish club are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £32m.
West Ham are in competition with Italian giants AS Roma and Saudi Pro League club Al-Qasidah to sign Sorloth, but they are the front-runners in the race.
A £30m fee should be enough to sign Sorloth
West Ham’s quest to sign a new striker has led to several players being linked with a move to the London Stadium, including Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Lille’s Jonathan David.
However, there’s a growing sense that Sorloth could be the perfect fit for Julen Lopetegui’s side. The Norwegian’s exploits at Villarreal last season were nothing short of sensational.
He was one of the most prolific strikers in Spain, finishing the season with 23 goals in 34 La Liga games, including a four-goal haul in the penultimate match of the season against Real Madrid.
Sorloth narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot award. His tally was only bettered by Girona’s Artem Dovbyk, who finished the season with 24 La Liga goals.
Despite missing 14 big chances last term, Sorloth would be an exciting addition to the team.
He possesses the kind of clinical finishing the club craves and is an upgrade on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings.
An offer of around £30m should be enough to finalise a deal for the towering Norwegian striker, but West Ham can’t afford to dither with other interested clubs circling.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
