OPINION
West Ham could just have edged closer to the signing of new striker Alassane Plea following a revelation from new Nice manager Patrick Vieira.
The former French international and Arsenal legend revealed that the player, who is a £25million pound target for the Hammers and Fulham according to a report in The Sun, missed training on Monday.
The news was revealed on Sky Sports transfer centre (July 2, 13.45).
And the 42-year-old boss was clearly unaware that Plea would be absent from pre-season training, stating that he would be finding out the reason for the forward’s absence which comes directly on the back of the Irons interest.
But this is typical behaviour from players around the world who want to push through a move to a new club and could signal that a transfer of the 25-year-old is just around the corner.
It would be a real coup by the Hammers if they were to pull off the signing of the Frenchman who had a tremendous season with the Ligue 1 side last term.
The forward’s strike-rate in front of goal was impressive as he notched up 21 goals and seven assists in 49 games for Nice and only missed a handful of games in the entirety of the campaign – a factor that will make him all the more appealing to the Irons who endured a wave of sidelined players.
Whatever the case may be, it looks as though West Ham could be a step closer another summer signing.