OPINION
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is reportedly interesting European giants Bordeaux and Lazio with just over a week remaining in the summer transfer window.
The Daily Mirror claimed in their transfer news blog on Monday (6.44pm) that the 27-year-old forward is interesting both sides, after falling down the pecking order at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have brought in versatile attacker Marko Arnautovic from Stoke as well as former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, which has limited Sakho to just two substitute appearances.
The former Metz striker struggled during the 2016-17 campaign with a long-term back problem that limited him to just four first-team appearances before going under the knife to correct the problem.
Now in his fourth season in east London, Sakho could look to leave the Hammers in search of regular first-team football with the transfer deadline fast approaching.
This Is Futbol considers whether allowing the six-time Senegal international to leave is a good move, and whether a deal can be struck in just over a week’s time.
Good move for West Ham?
Sakho has just 12 months remaining on his current contract and allowing him to leave now for a fee would prove much more beneficial to the Hammers, who could lose him for nothing next summer.
It would give manager Slaven Bilic the funds needed to reinvest and replace the loss of Sakho, whose future at the London Stadium seems likely to end sooner rather than later.
However, before selling him, the Hammers must remember that has has scored 16 goals in 50 Premier League matches – a good record for a player who has played out wide in many of those outings.
If the Hammers receive around £10million for the forward then they will be securing a good deal, but Sakho shouldn’t be allowed to go for less.
Likely to happen?
Falling down the pecking order and in the final year of his contract, Sakho is expected to want to leave the club and will strive to earn a move this summer.
West Ham will also be keen to sell to earn some cash so they can go out and spend more on other areas of their squad.
Sakho is likely to prefer a move to Serie A giants Lazio rather than French side Bordeaux, after the latter were knocked out of the Europa League qualifying stages by Hungarian side Videoton.
It is unlikely that the Hammers will need a replacement before selling Sakho, which should help smooth a deal over this summer.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.