West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham transfer news: Jesse Lingard reality sparks Moyes to turn to £15m Everton, Leeds target

Ben Brereton Diaz, Blackburn, warms up before Championship game

West Ham United are reportedly ready to turn back towards Ben Brereton Diaz amid claims they are set to miss out on Jesse Lingard’s signature.

Moyes is looking to add more goals to his squad ahead of the new season, with a striker his No 1 priority. Indeed, the Irons lack serious cover and competition for Michail Antonio, leading a number of players to be linked. To that end, efforts to sign Armando Broja have now seemingly taken a downturn.

However, Moyes is also keen on a reunion for Lingard, who caught the eye during a previous loan spell with West Ham.

Now a free agent, Lingard has come under the spotlight for a number of suitors this summer. However, it appeared that West Ham were closing on his signature in news that would come as a boost for Moyes and Co.

Having scored nine goals and added four assists in 16 appearances for the Hammers, it is evidentally clear what Lingard brings to the table.

The one niggle though for West Ham were the wage demands that Lingard is seemingly demanding. As such, reports claim he is seeking a huge salary worth around £180,000 a week. Those demands have seemingly seen a number of suitors drop from the race.

But reports on Wednesday claim Nottingham Forest are now favourites for his signature. And the Tricky Trees are seemingly willing to meet the 29-year’s colossal salary demands in the process.

Should Forest be willing to pay such an amount, it would likely spell the end of West Ham’s hopes.

Ben Brereton Diaz emerging as option for Moyes

As such, The Guardian claims Moyes is already exploring other options, with a move for Brereton Diaz now back on the radar.

The Chile forward has been a player of interest for Moyes for some months now. He came to their attention in January, with Blackburn’s then asking price preventing West Ham from a firm bid.

Now though with just 12 months left on his deal, Blackburn are unlikely to stand in his way if an offer worth £15m comes their way.

His 22 goals in 37 appearances last season put Rovers in the promotion mix until their form tailed off.

However, Brereton Diaz did himself plenty of favours, with his exploits for Chile also raising his profile further.

That asking price has seen a number of sides considering approaches. Indeed, Everton and Leeds are among those reportedly considering an approach.

Moyes though has shown himself no stranger to plucking the best talent from the Championship. It’s a route that has worked well with Jarrod Bowen, while to a lesser extent, Said Benrahma.

What's next for Jesse Lingard?

What's next for Jesse Lingard?

Jesse Lingard's future is now up in the air as he has been linked with West Ham and Everton.

As such, he is a player who Moyes may well seek to bring to the London Stadium.

At 23, he is six years younger than Lingard. Furthermore, his wage demands are unlikely to break the bank for West Ham.

Moyes, meanwhile, is also reportedly considering a move for assist king David Raum, which would put an experienced star’s place in the side under some doubt.