West Ham United could complete the potential £9 million signing of Gonzalo Montiel within the next few days if they can secure their place in the Premier League next season, according to El Intransigente.
While Aston Villa and Bournemouth might have shown some signs of fight on a Sunday afternoon which breathed fresh life into the relegation battle, David Moyes’ side still have survival within their grasp.
A victory over fellow strugglers Watford on Friday would all-but guarantee the underachieving Hammers a place in the top flight for 2020/21.
And, once their Premier League status is assured, there will be nothing to stop the Londoners finally completing a deal for a highly-rated Argentina international after six months of trying.
That is according to El Intransigente anyway, who claim that Montiel could be unveiled in claret and blue sooner rather than later.
What’s more, with cash-strapped River Plate under pressure to raise funds via player sales, the rampaging right-back could be available for half his £18 million release clause.
Interestingly, the report adds that the 2018 Copa Libertadores champions have already lined up a replacement in the shape of 20-year-old youngster Elias Lopez.
This comes just a month after Montiel’s agent confirmed to TNT that an offer had arrived from West Ham in January.
The capital city club, he said, were expected to renew their interest ahead of the summer transfer window, and it seems the agent’s prediction was right on the money.
Whether the Albiceleste star is West Ham’s first-choice right-back target these days, however, is anyone’s guess.
Reports from Mundo Deportivo this week claim that talks are also underway over a £14 million deal for Barcelona’s Moussa Wague.
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