Report: West Ham made Graziano Pelle enquiry before he signed new contract

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Reported West Ham target Pelle has signed a new deal with Chinese side Shandong Luneng.

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have claimed that West Ham United made an enquiry for Shandong Luneng striker Graziano Pelle in the last few days – only for that approach to be snubbed.

The 33-year-old has signed a new contract with Luneng that will see him remain with the Chinese Super League side. It will see the former Southampton striker pick up a whopping £260,000 a week.

But days before he put pen to paper on the new deal with the Chinese outfit, Pelle received enquiries from Premier League outfit West Ham as well as Turkish side Galatasaray about a move back to Europe.

West Ham could be in the market for a new striker in January, with doubts remaining over the futures of Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll and even talisman Marko Arnautovic. All three have been linked with moves away from the club.

Pelle was an excellent addition during his spell at Southampton, scoring 30 goals in 80 league and cup appearances for the Saints as well as creating 10 other goals.

He has continued such form in China this season, having a hand in 25 goals during his 26 league appearances. He has scored 16 times, creating nine in the form of assists.

West Ham wanted to sign the in-form target man but Pelle has snubbed a move to east London – and indeed Turkey – to sign a new deal with Shandong Luneng.