West Ham have tabled a bid for centre-forward Maxi Gomez, but it has been rejected by Celta Vigo, according to BBC Sport.
The broadcaster claims that the Hammers are now plotting whether to trigger the Uruguay international’s £43.3million release clause.
It is understood that the Premier League club could send Gomez, 22, back to Celta Vigo on loan for the rest of the season if they are able to sign him permanently before the transfer deadline next week.
Good move for West Ham?
Gomez would be a sensational signing for Manuel Pellegrini, so even if it means that he has to trigger the striker’s release clause, then he should.
The Uruguayan has been in top form this season, scoring nine goals and supplying five assists in 18 La Liga appearances, despite Celta Vigo’s lowly league standing.
If Marko Arnautovic or Javier Hernandez leaves the London Stadium this month then West Ham should not loan him back to Celta, instead they should just sign him and keep him for themselves.
However if neither of them go this month then the club could potentially get Gomez for lower than his release clause if they loan him back to the Spanish strugglers.
This is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
If West Ham do meet Gomez’s release clause then this deal will definitely happen, but if they don’t, the idea of loaning him back could also put the ball in the Irons’ court.
Pellegrini will be playing a blinder by signing Gomez and now that the BBC are reporting it, it’s safe to say that something is more than likely going to happen in the coming days.
This is Futbol rating 8/10