Club insider: West Ham 75% sure of signing international goal ace, deal could be done in 48 hours

Thu 25 August 2016 20:27, UK

By Will Butcher

West Ham are set to finally end their summer-long striker hunt by completing a deal for an international spearhead in the next 48 hours, according to a report.

The Hammers have been in the market for a striker throughout the summer, and have been rejected by the likes of Carlos Bacca, Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi.

A columnist called ‘The Insider’ has now claimed on the official West Ham website that the Hammers will know in the next 48 hours if they are to complete a deal.

“The club have been strongly linked with moves for Wilfried Bony, Loic Remy and Simone Zaza,” the Insider wrote.

“My sources have confirmed to me that the club are at an advanced stage of negotiations to sign a top international forward.”

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This report came shortly after Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed on his website that the Hammers have settled terms for the £24million transfer of Juventus’ Zaza.

It is said that West Ham will take striker the Italy international on a season-long loan with the obligation to buy next summer set at £24.1million.

The report states that an intermediary from the London club will meet with Zaza’s father, who is also his agent, on Thursday night to finalise personal terms.

The striker scored eight goals in 24 appearances in all competitions during the 2015-16 campaign.

West Ham are searching for a short-term attacking option after new £20.5million signing Andre Ayew was ruled out for four months with a thigh injury and Andy Carroll suffered a knee injury that will sideline him until October.

In other West Ham transfer news, this international winger has also agreed terms on a deal after talks with the Hammers.