Lethal striker on West Ham radar confirms club will ‘cooperate’ with transfer
A West Ham-linked striker with a tremendous scoring record has confirmed his side will agree to his sale if a suitable offer is made.
The Hammers entered the season heavily reliant on Michail Antonio staying fit. The 30-year-old has been sensational over the past few seasons, leading the line by himself and scoring with increased regularity.
But with a tricky Europa League campaign to juggle, an injury to Antonio could scupper their season.
As such, West Ham were linked with a number of attacking targets over the summer, including Genk’s Paul Onuachu.
Standing at 6ft 7in tall, the giant Nigerian has plundered the Belgian top flight since his 2019 arrival.
He bagged 29 goals in 33 matches last season. In the current campaign, he has taken his game to another level, operating at a goal-per-game after nine outings.
At 27, Onuachu is in the prime of his career and drew links with West Ham over the summer. However, per Sport Witness, a prospective deal collapsed due to differences in the two club’s valuations of Onuachu.
Now, speaking to Belgian outlet voetbalkrant, Onuachu – who will face West Ham this season in the Europa League – has hinted a deal could still be made.
West Ham to challenge Spurs for Weston Mckennie
West Ham will reportedly challenge Spurs for Juventus midfielder Weston Mckennie, with more news on Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Ramsey.
“I can do nothing more to decorate a transfer,” said Onuachu. “The football world is not always fair. I am still convinced that I could have made a nice transfer.
“In addition, many clubs are currently not having an easy time financially due to the corona pandemic.
“Have new agreements been made in the meantime? Genk will cooperate if an offer is made that all parties agree with.”
It was previously reported the Belgian outfit sought €30m for the Nigeria international, though would’ve been open to €25m with add-ons. West Ham were stated to only be willing to fork out €15m.
Assessing who will be the next Premier League manager to get the sack
Vlasic tipped for West Ham surge
Meanwhile, Nikola Vlasic has been backed to “kickstart” his West Ham United career after the international break, but patience has been urged regardless.
According to former Premier League footballer Noel Whelan, Vlasic “needs time” but could “go on a run” after returning from the international break, when he will be representing Croatia.
Whelan told Football Insider: “Vlasic is a great player with great pedigree, but he needs time. It’s not easy coming from another country to live here. He’s got to learn to play with his teammates, adjust to the new culture.
“They’ve gone out and got a top player but we just need to be patient. Maybe Moyes wanted to shore things up [against Brentford, when Vlasic was an unused substitute] instead of chucking on another striker in Vlasic.
“Look, give him two more weeks, let him return from international duty – he’ll be looking to capitalise from now until Christmas and grab his first goal.
“That’s what can kickstart a player in his position form-wise – goals, goals, goals. If he gets his first one, he could go on a run and get two or three.”
READ MORE: Manchester United close to admitting Lingard defeat with new snub prompting cut-price sale
