According to a report in The Athletic, West Ham target Joshua King could be available for less than originally reported by some media outlets this month.
The Athletic’s Burnley writer was discussing the Lancashire outfit’s reported interest in the Norway international when he claimed that King doesn’t want the £120,000-a-week wages that have been touted elsewhere.
Of course, this is a big boost to West Ham’s hopes of landing the Bournemouth striker.
It’s bad enough that the Hammers are reportedly set to offer £16m for a player who is out of contract in the summer, but at least he won’t command a wage as high as the one originally reported.
How much King envisages his weekly salary being is unknown, but the fact that his demands aren’t as high as originally reported is a good sign.
Whether or not West Ham get this deal over the line remains to be seen, they’re clearly keen on the player, but he would be an expensive option, especially when you consider he can move on a Bosman in the summer.
However, West Ham need a striker who can make an instant impact as they continue on their quest for European qualification, and those aren’t easy to come by.
King may be the answer, and he can be brought in for cheaper than originally thought.
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