Report: West Ham have ‘ultimatum’ with French side over potential striker signing

Add as preferred source on Google

French website Le10Sport have claimed that West Ham United have an ‘ultimatum’ in place with Ligue 1 side Montpellier over a potential move for Gaetan Laborde – stating that if a deal is not completed by Friday, then both parties will move on.

Laborde, 26, has emerged as a target for the Hammers this month as the East Londoners look to replace Sebastian Haller – who moved to Ajax earlier in the window. Montpellier’s number 10 has scored six and created six more in 21 games this season.

More renowned for his link-up play and ability to create as much as he scores, Laborde has been crucial for Montpellier as they look to make a surge for European football in the second half of the season. But a decision has been made over his future.

Indeed, West Ham remain in talks for Laborde but the latest report claims that the two parties have set an ultimatum – if a deal is not agreed by Friday, then the Hammers will move on to a new target. L’Equipe recently claimed he is rated at £11million.

TBR’s view – West Ham can surely do better than Laborde

The difficulty for the Hammers is one that is similar to the position Tottenham found themselves in, in the summer. Michail Antonio is the club’s first-choice striker, he starts and is crucial to the club’s identity under David Moyes.

So, how will West Ham convince a striker to join if they are unable to shift Antonio? Spurs had the bargaining chip of European football and that eventually convinced Carlos Vinicius. Laborde, on the face of it, is no improvement to West Ham.

But given that West Ham need a player who is happy to sit on the bench, Laborde could be a good signing.