West Ham: Bacca update; van Persie latest; forward duo could leave

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The major development in West Ham’s transfer news is regarding Carlos Bacca, with the Express reporting that the club’s owners have now agreed to up their bid from £20 million to £25 million in an attempt to persuade AC Milan to sell the 29-year-old Columbian striker. However, sources close to the player are claiming that he is waiting for offers from Spain, where he previously played for Sevilla, where he would prefer to return, rather than a move to the Olympic Stadium.

A striker with a proven record at Europe’s top level is undoubtedly top of West Ham’s shopping list this summer after none of their squad reached double figures for goals last season, but even then, £25 million is a large fee for a 29 year old with no previous experience in the Premier League.

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When looking for previous Premier League experience, there aren’t many players still in the game with a better record than Robin Van Persie. Despite that, the Express report that the Hammers have turned down the opportunity to sign former the Arsenal and Manchester United striker. They claim that the 32 year old was prepared to accept a wage cut of more than 50% but would still have been one of the club’s top earners on around £100,000 a week.

The Dutchman scored 22 goals in 48 games in his debut season for Fenerbahce, but is reportedly keen on a return to the Premier League. There can be no doubts that he has the skill, but is clearly not a long term solution and is also a risky purchase given his past record with injuries, whilst on such a big wage for a club like West Ham.

Reports from Turkey are also claiming that the East London club have submitted a bid for 33 year old Besiktas midfielder Atiba Hutchinson. The club have had a £3 million bid rejected, though Besiktas have admitted that they will be forced to discuss the midfielder’s future with him after he stated that he wished to move to England.

Hutchinson, a Canadian international, worked under Hammers boss Slaven Bilic for 2 years during the Croatian’s spell at the Turkish club. A holding midfielder, he would provide steel in midfield and could be a valuable replacement for former loanee Alex Song.

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In terms of outgoings, with the club making offers for various strikers, they could be set to lose one they already have on the books. Diafra Sakho, who scored just five league goals last season, has missed the start of the club’s tour of the USA with illness, but is trying to force his way out of the club by August. West Brom and Sunderland are said to be tracking the Senegalese striker in the Sun, with West Ham expected to demand around £15 million.

The forward is reportedly unhappy about being paid £27,000 a week, far below the average wage in the squad. After a poor return last season, the Hammers are understandably reluctant to increase his wages and can most likely find better options on the market.

Another player set to depart is Enner Valencia, who is desperate to play “at the top” according to the Standard. Despite scoring just eight goals in 47 league games since signing for a £12 million fee, the Ecuadorian wants to test his skills in France, Spain or Italy, with Lazio and Roma supposedly monitoring the forward’s situation.

West Ham would be unlikely to let the striker go for less than the £12 million they paid just two years ago, but like with Sakho, could use the funds gained to find an upgrade. According to the Standard, Slaven Bilic still retains a good relationship with the player, who he wants to keep, but the player is keen to leave before the Hammers kick off the season in the Olympic Stadium.

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