West Ham have launched a late move to try and snatch the signing of OGC Nice and Italy striker Mario Balotelli from under the noses of Olympique Marseille, according to journalist Carlo Laudisa.
The Gazetta Dello Sport writer claims on his personal Twitter account that the Hammers have made a move to try and blow their French rivals out of the water for the OGC Nice forward, who looks set to leave the Ligue 1 outfit as he approaches the end of his contract at the club.
Colpo di scena per #Balotelli. Si fa avanti il #WestHam ed è una candidatura forte che sorpassa il #Marsiglia
— Carlo Laudisa (@carlolaudisa) January 22, 2019
Balotelli, who made a name for himself in England during his time at Manchester City, was reported by La Provence to have been travelling to Marseille on Tuesday to seal his move across Ligue 1, but it is stated the Irons are looking to offer a deal which blows Marseille’s offer away.
Good move for West Ham?
This is a real turn up for the books and one which could case of too little, too late for the Hammers.
Balotelli seems to have his mind set on Marseille and only a huge deal is likely to tempt him to pull a u-turn and head for east London instead.
He would bring a certain type of personality to the Hammers’ attack but is he really the sort of man that Manuel Pellegrini wants in his squad?
The other question is can he be clinical enough to fire the Irons up the table? His record in England is nothing special – 21 goals in 70 appearances – and so he could be an expensive mistake to make.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on what sort of terms West Ham are willing to offer.
It would have to be something special to secure his capture after he seemed all but set for Marseille and even then, does he want to be playing for a side languishing in the middle of the English top flight?
This is an ambitious last ditch effort from the Hammers but one that will likely end in vain.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10