West Ham United are targeting a deal for Graziano Pelle.
According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham United are offering Shandong Luneng striker Graziano Pelle a two-year deal – but his wages remain a problem.
The Hammers landed their first January signing with a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario on Friday, but manager David Moyes should be in the market for more additions before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
With both Andy Carroll and Marko Arnautovic out injured, and Diafra Sakho set to leave the club, Moyes may want another striker – especially after losing 2-0 at Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Now, Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that West Ham are stepping up their interest in Shandong Luneng striker Graziano Pelle ahead of the deadline, offering him a two-year deal.
However, it’s noted that Pelle’s wages – believed to be £260,000-a-week having signed a £13.5million-a-year deal with Shandong in 2016, according to the Daily Mail – are still a problem, and talks are ongoing to try and find an agreement.
Pelle, 32, became a star with 55 goals in 66 games for Feyenoord, and he enjoyed a strong two-year spell with Southampton following a 2014 move, hitting 30 goals in 81 games for the Saints.
18 months ago, Pelle moved on to China with Shandong Luneng, but with 12 goals in 41 games, he hasn’t quite lived up to his billing, and Shandong may be willing to let him go to cut their losses.
The Italian international has the strength and aerial ability that West Ham may lack without Carroll, and Moyes will be hoping to find a deal for the veteran striker in the coming days.
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