Revealed: Development in West Ham bid to sign 24-yr-old in January

Revealed: Development in West Ham bid to sign 24-yr-old in January

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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West Ham have stalled their pursuit of striker Chuba Akpom amid doubts over Manuel Pellegrini's future, Football Insider has learned.

Pellegrini is eager to strengthen his attack in the winter window as the Hammers look to recruit at least two new players who can slot into their first team set-up.

West Ham have been linked with ex-Arsenal forward Akpom, 24, who is looking to leave Greek side PAOK Salonika after snubbing a contract extension.

A source at the London club has told Football Insider that there is no current interest in pushing through the signing of the front man in January.

West Ham have considered him, and are aware of his potential availability, but they are not currently working on a deal.

One of the main factors is the uncertainty around the position of Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos.

Football Insider revealed last week that Husillos may resign after growing fed up of criticism of his signings and judgement on transfers.

Pellegrini is also in the firing line after overseeing a dreadful run of results that has left West Ham 16th in the league table ahead of tonight's Premier League clash against Arsenal.

The club are keen to bring in a centre-forward with a proven track record and a centre-back who would also not require a lengthy bedding-in period.

As revealed by Football Insider last month, Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is one target for next month's window.

West Ham signed six players during the summer and also offloaded a number of high-earning players, most notably Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Samir Nasri, Javier Hernandez, Adrian and Lucas Perez.

www.footballinsider247.com