After three years, reports that West Ham United could lure Benfica striker Raul Jimenez to the Premier League continue to swirl.
Porto took one giant step towards their first Primeira Liga title in five years as Hector Herrera’s last-gasp winner sealed a 1-0 victory over title rivals and reigning champions Benfica on Sunday evening.
Once again, it appears that Mexican international striker Raul Jimenez is a target for West Ham United after they were heavily linked with his signature throughout last summer.
The Hammers famously missed out on signing Jimenez during the summer of 2015 but have been tipped to bring the former Atletico Madrid front man to the London Stadium ever since. O Jogo stated in July of last year that West Ham had once again expressed an interest, only to be told that Jimenez would not be leaving for a penny less than his £45 million release clause.
One year on, West Ham may be hoping that they can haggle down that fee, especially considering the 26-year-old has hardly been a regular for Benfica’s first-team of late.
He made just his third start of the Primeira Liga season against Porto at the Estadio Da Luz but failed to add to his tally of six goals and five assists.
According to Record (27 December, page 12), West Ham were readying a £25 million bid for Jimenez in the January transfer window and a similar offer could perhaps tempt Benfica to cash in this summer.
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