In the Hammers’ ongoing transfer hunt for a striker, Andre Ayew could finally be set to put an end to the search as the Express report that the Ghanaian is set to undergo a medical in the coming days. Whilst it looks unlikely that Ayew will be available for the Irons’ first game of the season at Burnley, a £20 million swoop could soon be completed to add firepower to the front line.
Ayew doesn’t really match up to some of the names linked with the role this summer, with World Cup winners, Champions League finalists, Europa League winners and more being rumoured with a move to the Olympic Stadium. Nonetheless, with 12 goals to his name last term, he will add exactly what West Ham are looking for if a deal can be completed.
Andre could also be joined by his brother Jordan Ayew, with GhanaSoccerNet reporting that the younger brother could also be London bound as he seeks to leave Aston Villa following their relegation. The versatile forward is said to be available for around £8 million, and he fancies at return to the Premier League to prove his qualities. Slaven Bilic agrees that he has the necessary talent and could make that wish come true.
The brothers previously played together for Marseilles, and could team up again in the claret and blue of West Ham. Jordan has potential, though he struggled to stand out in a poor Villa side at times last season, so will have more to prove than his older brother Andre should the pair reunite in the East End of London.
Former Newcastle and Italy full-back Davide Santon also looks set to resolve the club’s left-back headache following Aaron Cresswell’s injury. The Mail say that he is currently on his way to London to undergo a medical ahead of a year-long loan move from Inter Milan to provide cover across the defence, particularly as a short term replacement for the English left-back.
With an English partner, Santon is keen to return to England due to family ties, and the former Magpie is happy to be heading to West Ham. The loan move will most likely include a £5 million permanent option for the Hammers, who grew frustrated with negotiations for Norwich’s Martin Olsson, should he perform well.
The 25-year-old struggled for first team football under Roberto Mancini last season, making just 13 appearances, but with the ability to play anywhere across the back, he will be a useful addition for the Hammers.
These moves could also be funded by the sale of Diafra Sakho, with BBC Sport saying that a £16 million move to West Brom is likely to be formalised and announced today. After an injury struck few years at Upton Park, it is not devastating news for the Hammers, who were happy to let him go at the right price with upgrades in Andre Ayew and Jonathan Calleri lined up already.
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