West Ham United face a battle to sign New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos – and it may all be down to Manchester City’s influence.
We’re now a year removed from West Ham selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax and yet the Ivorian international still hasn’t been replaced.
The goals have dried up a little for Michail Antonio, scoring just twice in West Ham’s last 14 Premier League games.
Support is now needed for Antonio, and West Ham must bring in another striker before Monday’s transfer deadline.
One of the main targets appears to be NYCFC star Castellanos, but West Ham aren’t finding it easy.
Tuttomercatoweb claim that West Ham have made two offers for Castellanos, but both have been rejected.
West Ham are now running out of time to convince the MLS side into selling, and others are trying their luck too.
ESPN claim that River Plate are ramping up their move to bring Castellanos back home to Argentina.
Manchester City are poised to secure a deal for River Plate attacker Julian Alvarez and now see Castellanos as the long-term replacement.
City could now inadvertently block West Ham from singing Castellanos, sending River the money they would need to sign him.
Castellanos, 23, smashed 23 goals and eight assists for NYCFC this past season, helping them win the MLS Cup.
Branded ‘quality’ by Pep Guardiola, Castellanos looks set for a big move at some stage, and West Ham are still chasing him.
With River now looking into a deal – possibly worth up to $20million (£15million) – West Ham risk missing out on a big addition.
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