West Ham United have approached Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux to lodge an enquiry into the availability of star forward Alberth Elis for a transfer to the Premier League this summer.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who report the Irons are keen to explore the Honduras international’s situation. Elis has flourished at the Matmut Atlantique since moving to the French side on loan from Portuguese club Boavista last year, despite Les Girondins’ issues.
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine natives sit bottom of the Ligue 1 table after 27 games, having won just four matches all season. They have also registered the worst defensive record with 65 goals conceded to 38 scored. Of which, Elis has accounted for nine and provided an assist.
Elis’ form over his 17 games, starting 13, convinced Bordeaux to seal a permanent transfer with Boavista. Les Girondins signalled their intent in December to pay a €6m (£5m) option. They also then rejected a €21m (£17.5m) bid from a Chinese club in January, per L’Equipe.
A departure from the Matmut Atlantique in the mid-season sales was never on the cards. Elis also did not feel at 26-years-old that moving to China would have been the right choice for his career. And that decision could now result in a move to England, Germany or Italy.
West Ham lodge enquiry into Bordeaux winger Alberth Elis
West Ham are among a clutch of clubs to approach Bordeaux and enquire into a summer transfer for Elis. Serie A side Fiorentina and Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg have also shown their interest in the 53-cap Honduras winger, who has a penchant for the Premier League.
Bordeaux are reluctant to let the forward leave and have him under contract until 2024. But relegation from Ligue 1 could see the Irons position themselves well for any fire sale.
David Moyes will have to hope Elis considers a move to the London Stadium more fondly than last year, though. A Bola reported in June that the Hammers and Southampton had opened talks with Boavista. But the right-sided attacker ultimately snubbed their interest.
Elis has since adapted perfectly to the Ligue 1 game through his physical build and dogged willpower. Traits that Bordeaux technical director Admar Lopes acknowledged in August.
He told the Girondins’ club website: “Albert is a forward we’ve been very familiar with since he was a young boy. He has an incredible, explosive power and is capable of playing anywhere in attack. Alberth also brings with him a deep wellspring of drive and ambition.”
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