OPINION
West Ham scouts were reportedly in attendance to watch Benfica striker Raul Jimenez on Monday night as the Mexican helped his side beat Chaves 1-0.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo claimed West Ham watched the 26-year-old striker as he failed to find the back of the net during the victory, which instead saw Haris Seferovic find the back of the net.
Jimenez, a 57-time Mexico international, made only a substitute appearance against Chaves, coming on with only 12 minutes remaining on the clock as Benfica preferred to start with Jonas and Seferovic up front.
It is said that Manchester United’s talent spotters were also watching Jimenez, while Tottenham, Aston Villa, Montpellier, Anderlecht, Celta and Atalanta scouts watched on at Chaves.
The Daily Mirror claimed earlier this summer that both the Hammers and Liverpool are interested in Jimenez this summer, who is reportedly worth £19million with Benfica said to be willing to listen to offers.
Benfica’s number nine starred for Benfica last summer as he scored 11 goals in 32 outings to push the Portuguese giants towards Liga NOS glory and Champions League qualification.
Here, This Is Futbol considers whether the Hammers would be securing a top striker in Jimenez, and if a deal is likely to occur.
Good move for West Ham?
Since signing Javier Hernandez from German side Bayer Leverkusen, the Hammers’ search for a striker has cooled with Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho providing cover for Jimenez’s fellow Mexico international.
However, there is no doubt that Jimenez would be a top signing if brought to the London Stadium, offering a different type of impact in the final third.
Offering plenty of strength and used as a target man by Benfica, the former Atletico Madrid striker could be brought to East London to replace Carroll as his injury problems remain.
Jimenez has proven time and time again that he can score at the top level, showing just at the Confederations Cup this summer and would be more than a top addition in the Hammers’ pursuit of a top-eight finish in the Premier League.
This Is Futbol: 7/10.
Likely to happen?
With the Mirror’s report claiming Benfica are willing to sell the powerful forward, if West Ham meet the striker’s asking price.
But with owners David Gold and David Sullivan already splashing out £25million on Marko Arnautovic and £16million on Hernandez, it remains to be seen if they are willing to stump up the cash for Jimenez.
With Jose Mourinho’s United also said to be scouting the player, Jimenez could look to chance his arm at Old Trafford with the lure of Champions League football likely to put United into pole position.
The Hammers would have to do plenty of persuading to convince Jimenez to move to east London, if indeed they enter the market for him at all.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10.