West Ham were plotting a potentially stunning move to take Spanish striker Alvaro Morata from London and Premier League rivals Chelsea over the summer and may be able to seal a loan move for his services in January, according to Transfer Market Web.
The football news website claim that the Hammers were among four clubs tracking the 25-year-old only a year after seeing him join the Blues for a big money fee from Real Madrid, Sky Sports reporting he cost £58million.
While he remained at Stamford Bridge over the summer, it is stated that the 23-cap international could be put up for loan over the winter window, with the player himself said to be eyeing up a temporary exit.
Good move for West Ham?
Firstly, it must be said how spectacular a deal this would have been if the Hammers had pulled it off over summer.
It would have probably been a loan deal but considering his reputation and history for both club and country, the Irons would never have thought they could pull off his capture – which they did not, of course.
Maybe it was a pipe dream, or maybe they really were serious about securing his signing – either way, he would be a great capture for Manuel Pellegrini, who could really do with a player of his calibre leading the line.
That is not to say Marko Arnautovic is not doing a good job – rather that the club could just do with someone who is a proven out-and-out hitman.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
The Hammers might have been left empty handed – from their pursuit of Morata at least – in summer but January is a different kettle of fish entirely.
If the Spaniard cannot find his shooting boots sooner rather than later, then Maurizio Sarri looks like he will drop the axe – at least temporarily – on the striker’s head.
West Ham could well pounce then, although it still seems like it would be a huge coup if the Irons could actually pull it of.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10