West Ham Untied are reportedly making a late push for Mario Balotelli.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, West Ham United have swooped in with a late bid to gazump Marseille in the race for Nice striker Mario Balotelli.
The Hammers have seen Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez linked with exits this month, and that has sparked speculation about a host of forwards being targeted by Manuel Pellegrini and co.
Recent rumours had suggested that Balotelli had come onto the West Ham radar, and reports today claim that a bid has been submitted.
Gazzetta Dello Sport in Balotelli’s native Italy claim that West Ham are ‘determined’ to land Balotelli, and have made a late move to beat Marseille to his signature.
Balotelli had been expected to finally complete a protracted move to Marseille, but it’s now suggested that a Premier League return is appealing.
Balotelli, 28, has revitalised his career in the south of France, hitting 43 goals in just 76 games for Nice having been let go by Liverpool in 2016.
A similarly complex character to Arnautovic, Balotelli may fancy one more crack at Premier League football, with West Ham seemingly convinced that he won’t be a problem.
Balotelli left Manchester City six months before Pellegrini arrived as manager at the Etihad Stadium, and he could be signed for a bargain fee given that his contract expires this summer.
UPDATE: Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Balotelli is now set for a medical with Marseille, meaning that alleged attempt from West Ham may have failed.
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