According to La Opinion, West Ham United are preparing an £8 million bid for River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel after all-but securing their Premier League survival.
The Argentine fullback has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham.
But it appeared the Hammers were reluctant to press ahead with their reported interest as attentions turned to preserving their Premier League status.
West Ham’s 3-1 win over Watford on Friday, however, means only a bizarre twist of results would see them go down as they sit six points clear with two games remaining.
La Opinion say the East London club will now move for Montiel.
El Liberal previously claimed Manuel Lanzini spoke to the club’s hierarchy to recommend his fellow countryman as a potential transfer target.
The two-capped Argentine international has a release clause of around £16 million. However, the latest reports from Montiel’s homeland claim West Ham will offer half of that.
River Plate have been affected by the global health crisis and may accept a lesser bid.
As for West Ham, the club have struggled in the fullback areas all season with Ryan Fredericks inconsistent and Pablo Zabaleta’s age slowing him down.
Montiel could solve a problem for David Moyes’s side, and at 23 has plenty of years ahead of him.
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