West Ham: 32-year-old striker could return; AC Milan star close; Payet latest

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The eye catching news for Hammers fans will undoubtedly be the potential return of West Ham hero Carlos Tevez. The Argentinean famously saved the club from relegation at the expense of Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United in 2007, and the Evening Standard claim that David Gold tried to tempt him into a return to East London. Their attempts were short lived though, as the Boca Juniors man demanded £250,000 a week, way out of the club’s wage range.

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It does seem, however, that Gold and Sullivan could finally be set for success in the transfer market in their hunt for a striker, as ESPN report that AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca could be set to sign. The former Sevilla forward is reportedly available for around £24 million after the San Siro side failed to qualify for European football next season.

Bacca is currently on holiday after finishing third in the Copa America with Columbia, but will resume talks upon his return as West Ham try to convince him to join the Premier League after scoring 18 goals in the Serie A last season.

The Sun are also claiming that the Hammers are mounting a late bid to rival London neighbours Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Christian Benteke. Whilst they claim that the club don’t like negotiating with Liverpool due to the large fees demanded by the Scousers, Benteke seems the best natural fit for the current West Ham team and style of play.

A hefty price tag and arguably less quality may see a move for Bacca preferred, but Benteke is certainly more than worthy of Slaven Bilic’s consideration in his hunt for additions to the front line as the club prepares for Europa League football.

Another addition looks set to be Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore, although sources are split as to the technicalities of the deal. Whilst the Mail report that it will be a loan move, FootballFanCast say that Turkish journalists are discussing the more probable option of a £13 million permanent move for the 24 year old ex-Chelsea trainee.

After 18 goals in 82 appearances for the Turkish club, a move to the Olympic Stadium seems certain, there is only debate regarding when it will become permanent. Tore is clear proof of the club’s aim to add more quality in depth this season, with Tore providing strength in wide positions which was sorely lacking last season.

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More concerningly, speculation continues to fill the back pages regarding West Ham’s prized asset – Dimitri Payet. The Express say that he is the latest transfer target for Inter Milan, who have recently benefitted from a £220 million cash injection from their Chinese owners. Whilst a move to Italy, and particularly Inter, may not be the glamorous and competitive option, it would seem that the San Siro side could offer him a lucrative financial package which may tempt him into considering the offer.

With the Frenchman preparing to face Germany for a place in the Euro 2016 final against Portugal, it seems unlikely that any significant movement will take place just yet, and even if it does, should his fine form continue it is hard to imagine that he won’t have more attractive offers than this one from Milan.

With so many in comings on the cards, outgoings seem almost necessary to keep things balanced. Enner Valencia is the latest to be linked with a move away, with the Daily Star claiming that Lazio are seeking to bring the forward in on loan as new boss Marcelo Bielsa shakes up the side in Rome.

Whilst additions are seemingly about to be made in similar positions, it seems unlikely that Valencia would still be a vital team member for the Hammers, and getting him off the wage bill could be vital if a move for the likes of Benteke is to be made.

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