Martinez’s prolific ex-teammate set to be available for free, West Ham have to move

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West Ham must consider Valencia’s wantaway forward Rafa Mir.

West Ham United should be on high alert over the possibility of signing Valencia forward Rafa Mir.

The Hammer swooped on Valencia two years ago to sign Antonio Martinez, and the forward has been prolific for their under-23 team, netting eight goals already this season.

Fans have been calling for Martinez to get a first team chance, and it’s only a matter of time.

Now with Valencia youngster Mir set to become available for free, West Ham should seek to double up on the talented Spanish pair.

Mir has scored 15 goals in 17 games for Valencia’s B team this season, but has refused to sign a new contract.

Super Deporte reported this weekend that he has now been dropped from the side as Valencia’s frustrations grow.

He will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement in January, while Valencia could be forced to sell to avoid losing him for nothing.

Mir is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic, Super Deporte reported earlier this year.

The 20-year-old would be a smart investment for West Ham, and like Martinez, could be ready to contribute straight away if he was just given a chance.

West Ham’s scouting team came through to pull off the Martinez deal, and they should aim to do the same for Mir, backed by David Moyes’ knowledge of Spanish football from his brief time in La Liga.