West Ham United target Gonzalo Montiel wants to leave River Plate and could be available for as little as £7 million, according to AS.
Despite the best efforts of Marcelo Carracedo – the outspoken agent who spent pretty much the whole of last summer attempting to secure a move to Europe for his highly-rated client – Montiel is still plying his trade back home in South America.
The right-back has since hired a new representative in order to finally force through a move across the Atlantic.
And it seems that he may be in luck this time around.
AS reports that, not only does Montiel want to leave, River Plate want to sell.
The 2018 Copa Libertadores champions are desperate to avoid losing their prized asset for absolutely nothing and are willing to cash in for just £7 million. That is significantly less than the £18 million release clause in his contract.
West Ham failed with a £9 million loan-to-buy bid for Montiel 12 months ago; an offer described as ‘ridiculous’ by River coach Marcelo Gallardo.
But it seems the Hammers are now able to get their long-time transfer target for a fee of even less than that, after once again expressing their interest (El Intransigente).
Interestingly, West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini confirmed in conversation with Ole a few months back that the Premier League high-flyers had enquired about his fellow Albiceleste ace.
“I think Montiel would be a good fit for West Ham. I know they looked at him,” Lanzini said.
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