River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel has verbally agreed a contract with West Ham United, according to Estadio Deportivo, as he closes in on a move to the Premier League.
If the Hammers were trying to keep their interest in the Argentina international on the down-low, it is fair to say Manuel Lanzini let the cat out of the bag somewhat last week.
Speaking to Closs Continental, Lanzini admitted that the Premier League outfit were keen to bring his Albiceleste teammate to the London Stadium. And, just to add even more fuel to the fire, Montiel’s agent then broke his silence over the weekend too.
“(West Ham) had already been interested in Gonzalo and continue to be so,” said Marcelo Carracedo, in quotes reported by Clarin.
It is well documented that the Hammers had a bid rejected for Montiel during the January transfer window; one that left River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo seething. So, with interest rising all over Europe in the 2018 Copa Libertadores winner, the ball is back in West Ham’s court.
Either they trigger the £18 million release-clause in Montiel’s contract or they risk missing out altogether (AS).
It seems, according to reports in Spain, that the basic outline of the deal has already been agreed. Estadio Deportivo claims that Montiel has given the green light to a contract offer from the London giants, although he is yet to officially put pen to paper.
There is still a very real concern, however, that red tape and potential work permit problems could yet drag out a story that has been going on for months now.
They are getting closer. But there is work to do.
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