West Ham United striker Lucas Perez is reportedly close to leaving.
Perez only joined the Hammers in the summer, but his departure seems to have been on the cards for much of the window. He has struggled for game-time under Manuel Pellegrini, having not started a game since December and only making two appearances since the turn of the year.
Sky Sports reports that the former Arsenal forward had been attracting interest from Schalke, but that move is seemingly looking much less likely with the Bundesliga side looking for an initial loan deal that could be converted into a permanent move in the summer.
Instead, Sky Sports reports that he is close to sealing a seven-figure switch to Betis.
Although Perez has hardly been a regular fixture in Pellegrini’s plans, the West Ham fans will be hoping that his expected departure prompts the club to go out and sign another striker during the final hours of the window.
Just three of the Irons’ squad have scored more than twice in the Premier League this season, and Perez is one of those whose tally currently stands at two goals. So letting the deadline pass without replacing the 30-year-old could be a mistake from the Hammers.
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