Report: West Ham eye Emi Buendia as Jesse Lingard alternative

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West Ham are keen on Emi Buendia with David Moyes considering alternative targets in case Jesse Lingard does not stay at the London Stadium, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (2/5; page 72).

Lingard has been a revelation on loan with the Hammers. He has scored nine goals in just 11 games.

Unsurprisingly, the Irons are keen to hold onto the 28-year-old. However, the Sunday Mirror suggests a potential problem.

They suggest that Moyes is making plans in case they cannot afford to sign Lingard permanently. And one of the names on their radar is Buendia.

The Sunday Mirror (2/5; page 72) notes that Norwich want to keep the Argentinian. However, Daniel Farke is also aware that he may need to sell to invest in his squad following their promotion.

TBR View: Buendia move likely to pose same problem for West Ham as Lingard

The Sun recently claimed that Lingard’s asking price could go as high as £40 million. So it makes sense that West Ham are also looking elsewhere.

However, Buendia is certainly not going to come cheap. Goal reported earlier this season that Norwich also value him at £40 million.

And given that they have since sealed promotion, it is unlikely that his asking price will have dropped at all.

Having said that, Buendia would be a shrewder signing when you consider potential resale value.

Lingard’s age will surely prevent West Ham from being able to make any sort of profit. Buendia meanwhile, is only 24.

And based on his outrageous form this year – he has scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists – his valuation is only going to rise in the coming years.