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West Ham must snub Besiktas’ Javier Hernandez bid amid wage reports

Manuel Pellegrini manager (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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West Ham United could reportedly soon meet with Besiktas to discuss a potential move for Javier Hernandez in January.

Javier Chicharito Hernandez of West Ham United during Training at Rush Green on September 25, 2018 in Romford, England.

It appears that Javier Hernandez’s days as a West Ham player could be numbered, with ESPN reporting that Besiktas are interested in taking the striker on loan in January with a view to completing a permanent deal in the summer.

Hernandez has endured a difficult spell since arriving at the London Stadium. He has made 36 Premier League appearances for the Irons, but exactly half of those have come from the bench.

He has started just two league games this term, and ESPN reports that he is unhappy with his current situation. That has seemingly prompted Besiktas to act.

ESPN suggests that the Turkish side have held talks with Hernandez’s representatives and could soon consider a concrete bid for the Mexico international.

However, there appears to be a stumbling block.

ESPN reports that Hernandez earns £145,000-a-week with West Ham, and Besiktas’ financial situation would mean that the Hammers would need to continue covering some of those wages for a deal to get done.

Javier Hernandez of West Ham celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in...

Given that fact, surely the Hammers would be wise to snub Besiktas’ interest. Getting him off the wage bill may make sense given his lack of game-time, but it would clearly be wrong to suggest that he is not an asset to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad if he sticks around.

He has scored nine Premier League goals, which is arguably impressive given he has started just 18 times. And it must give opposition sides plenty of reason to worry when Pellegrini can bring Hernandez on when his side need a late goal.

Manuel Pellegrini manager

And with Marko Arnautovic also linked with a move away – as reported by the Guardian – the Hammers are surely taking a risk if they allow Hernandez to move on, especially if they are continuing to pay the forward after he has left the club.

Getting Hernandez off the wage bill may be a smart idea. But if Besiktas are unlikely to be able to afford a substantial portion of his wages, then keeping him around or letting him head elsewhere surely makes a lot more sense.