West Ham are reportedly holding initial talks with LaLiga side Elche over a deal to sign forward Tete Morente this summer.
A report from the Sunday Mirror claims that the 25-year-old attacker is a long-term target for the Hammers, with Elche set to demand around £7million for his services.
The Mirror adds that there has been ‘early contact’ between the two clubs and that those initial talks have been positive.
Morente is also said to be keen on the transfer, although it’s unlikely to be a transfer that will get West Ham fans that excited.
The forward has struggled to have a major impact on an Elche side currently sitting in mid-table.
Indeed, he’s scored just three goals and added three assists in 29 games in all competitions. Morente has also started just 16 of the club’s 33 league outings.
The big question concerns whether the David Moyes and the Hammers actually need the player.
West Ham well stocked in wide areas
Morente naturally plays as a wide player who can, at a push play, through the centre. However, West Ham are well stocked in the wider positions with Jarrod Bowen operating from the right and either Pablo Fornals or Said Benrahma from the left.
Andriy Yarmolenko is also often utilised as a back-up option. However, there are rumours he could move on this summer.
The Hammers are next in action on Sunday afternoon when they host London rivals Arsenal.
Moyes’ men are currently eight points behind the Gunners in a race for fourth spot that now looks done and dusted for West Ham.
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