West Ham have continued negotiations with Serie A side Genoa after seeing their first bid for left sided flyer Diego Laxalt rejected, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian football news website claim that the Hammers tabled an offer of £10.6million (€12million) for the 25-year-old speed demon, who can play as a left back or as a left winger, but that Genoa’s valuation of the Uruguay international stands at a fee of around £16million (€18million)
It is stated that crunch talks between the two clubs are continuing for the 10-cap star, who could become West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer if he were to join before any other new arrivals.
Good move for West Ham?
Manuel Pellegrini has certainly not wasted any time in strengthening what he deems to be weak points in the Hammers’ side, and it appears as though the left flank could be his next target for reinforcements.
Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku are the two prominent options at left back, while Marko Arnautovic is known as being able to operate further up the wing, when not carrying out his duties as a centre forward.
Laxalt has pace to burn and his versatility could come in useful, but his arrival would only make the squad even more bloated than it currently is.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
The Irons seem keen on the Uruguay star and the fact they have not backed down after seeing their bid rejected means they could return with another if negotiations progress well.
He does indeed seem the likeliest next arrival, but if Genoa hold out for their asking price then it could ward the Hammers off, having already splashed the cash this summer.
This is Futbol rating: 5.5/10