Sources: West Ham in pole position to sign Abraham as new asking price revealed
West Ham have climbed into pole position ahead of Aston Villa in the race for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, Football Insider has learned.
The Hammers are in the market for a top centre-forward and Abraham is among their top targets.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that West Ham are the current frontrunners to land Abraham despite David Moyes going public to reveal his side may not be able to afford him.
The England international has been valued at up to £40million by Chelsea.
But it is expected that £35m, and perhaps even an initial £30m, would be enough to seal a deal for the striker.
Aston Villa have previously been regarded as the favourites to land Abraham, who has also attracted interest from Wolves and Borussia Dortmund.
But, as revealed by Football Insider last month, manager Dean Smith is not convinced Abraham's finishing despite his impressive loan spell at Villa two years ago.
West Ham want a forward who can provide cover and competition for Michail Antonio, who has been a revelation up front during Moyes' second spell at the club.
Chelsea will listen to offers for their academy product as they look to recruit an A-list front man of their own.
Abraham is widely expected to exit Stamford Bridge this summer after being frozen out by Thomas Tuchel in the first half 2021.
He was left out of the matchday squad for both the FA Cup final defeat against Leicester and the Champions League final triumph against Manchester City.
Despite this, Abraham finished last season as the Blues' joint-top goalscorer with Timo Werner after scoring 12 goals in all competitions.