Exclusive: West Ham make Jorgen Strand Larsen transfer decision
West Ham have decided against pursuing a move for Jorgen Strand Larsen in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hammers have already added Pablo and Taty Castellanos to their forward ranks in the early stages of the window, and that is likely to now spell the end of their additions at the top of the pitch.
West Ham have been heavily linked with Strand Larsen of late, but Football Insider has now learned that they will not splash the cash on the Norwegian, who Wolves value at around £40million.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are now seven points adrift of safety, but a move to sign Strand Larsen is now beyond them in this window.
Jorgen Strand Larsen deal on the cards elsewhere
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider last week that Wolves should sell Strand Larsen this winter as they prepare for life in the Championship next term.
The frontman’s value is expected to depreciate once his team’s relegation from the Premier League is confirmed, and that looks like an inevitability, given that Wolves have only amassed six points from their opening 20 games.
West Ham may have now removed themselves from the race, but there are plenty of other potential suitors across the league who are keen to strike a deal for Strand Larsen.
Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old in recent weeks, while Everton also view him as a potential option to add to their group.
Wolves appear likely to cash in on the striker before the end of the month, and that could see a deal become a genuine possibility for either of those two clubs.
Stefan Borson’s verdict on Strand Larsen to Everton
Borson also told Football Insider that he feels Everton can’t afford to buy Strand Larsen outright in the January window, with a loan deal with an obligation to buy seen as a more likely possibility.
The Toffees spent heavily on the likes of Tyler Dibling, Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the summer, as well as likely having to shoulder some of Jack Grealish’s hefty wages.
As a result, if David Moyes and Co. are to win the race for Strand Larsen, then it will seemingly have to involve an agreement that sees them pay some, or all, of the £40m fee at a later date.
The striker position has provided a problem for Everton at times this season, but they may have to get creative with their negotiating if they are to land Strand Larsen this month.