West Ham United were tracking Carlos Bacca throughout the summer, and Slaven Bilic has moved to clarify the situation regarding their reported interest.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has explained that it was his decision to call off the club’s pursuit of AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.
The Croatian outlined how he does not want to have to beg players to join his side, and it was in fact him who called off the pursuit of the Colombian three weeks ago:
He told Sky Sports: “I think Bacca is impossible. I was the one who called it off three weeks ago in Austria. I wanted him, of course, but I don’t want to have to drag players to West Ham.”
Carlos Bacca
The Hammers need for a striker has become more urgent over the past week with the long-term injuries sustained by forwards Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll.
Bilic went on to tell Sky Sports how West Ham are a big attraction in the modern game, and that player’s lack of desire to join the East London outfit is not a problem that he faces:
“We are not Real Madrid or Manchester United but we are a good club and a proud club with players who are proud to play for us.
“Lots of players want to come to West Ham, believe me. They are calling me every day. So I was the one who said there was no point continuing with Bacca. We are not going to beg anyone to play for us.”
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
With reports suggesting today that West Ham could have a deal wrapped up for Juventus striker Simone Zaza as early as tonight (Sky Sports), Hammers fans will be hoping that they finally have enough strength in depth in the forward areas to compete both domestically and on the continent to a level that meets their high expectations.
Juventus’ Simone Zaza
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