West Ham have made a bid of £23million for Sampdoria’s Columbian striker Luis Muriel, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian football news website claim that the Hammers are looking to hijack Sevilla’s move for the 26-year-old, after it was reported by Diario De Sevilla reported that the Spanish club had come to a £17million agreement over his transfer with Sampdoria, and that the player had agreed personal terms.
However, TMW claim that the talks have stalled over recent days, and that the player’s future remains uncertain.
West Ham’s Premier League rivals Everton have firmly been in the chase to secure the striker’s signing, after reportedly triggering the £24.6million release clause in his contract, but it appears that Slaven Bilic has leapfrogged them with this latest bid.
Muriel was in fine form for Sampdoria last season, hitting home 13 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions, taking his total for the club to 24 strikes in 84 appearances, while he has also chipped in with 20 assists.
Able to play as an out-and-out striker or on either flank, the 26-year-old is also a Columbian international, with 15 appearances coming since his debut as a substitute against Ecuador back in 2012.
West Ham currently have Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll as their recognised centre forward options, although Bilic did utilise winger Andre Ayew up front last season after the powerful duo were both ruled out through injury.