Sources: West Ham and Chelsea line up moves for Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface
West Ham are set to be joined by Chelsea and other Premier League clubs in the race for Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed multiple top-flight English clubs are already laying the groundwork to sign the 23-year-old - who will not be released from the German club in the January window despite interest.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (22 January) that West Ham will not make a big-money swoop for Boniface before the 1 February deadline - contrary to some reports.
It had been suggested the Irons are preparing a bid for the Nigeria international which could break the club’s transfer record.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 12 January that Chelsea have shortlisted Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, Napoli star Victor Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen’s Boniface and Brentford’s Ivan Toney - with Viktor Gyokeres also emerging as a target in recent days.
But Boniface is out through a serious groin injury which required surgery and he is not expected to return until March at the earliest.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Leverkusen will soften their stance on letting him leave for the right price in the summer window - potentially spawning a bidding war for the striker's signature.
Boniface has hit 16 goals and eight assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season as Xabi Alonso's side sit top of the Bundesliga.
Both West Ham and Chelsea are in desperate need of a striker and have seen all approaches thus far fall short.
Football Insider revealed on 22 January that the Irons' move for Blues star Armando Broja has collapsed.
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