According to the London Evening Standard, West Ham United have failed with their first bid for Montpellier striker Gaetan Laborde.
The Hammers are chasing a new centre forward before this month’s transfer deadline, having allowed Sebastien Haller to join Ajax.
Laborde is one of West Ham’s top targets, and they allegedly suggested a loan deal which would become permanent at the end of the season.
However, Montpellier have refused that idea, claiming they will only consider a permanent deal this month – and that would cost around £16million.
West Ham remain keen on signing Laborde, but they will seemingly have to come up with a cash bid to lure the Frenchman to East London.
Laborde, 26, has bagged six goals and six assists so far this season, having only hit six goals and five assists in the whole of last season.
The Frenchman is only 5ft 11in tall, but he is superb in the air and can hold the ball up, whilst having the movement ability that Haller maybe didn’t provide.
Montpellier understandably don’t want to lose Laborde any time soon, and West Ham need to think about whether the £16million price is worth paying this month.
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