West Ham could negotiate £12m Armstrong deal after update – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham could sign Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong for as little as £12million this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Irons were in a strong negotiating position thanks to the hitman’s contract situation.
As reported by the Sun, Blackburn value Armstrong at £25million as West Ham and Fulham chase his capture.
However, the 24-year-old only has a year left on his contract at Ewood Park.
Whelan suggested Blackburn were being overly ambitious with their big-money price tag.
He insisted West Ham could strike a deal for at least £10million less than Rovers’ demands.
“I definitely feel there’s room for negotiation on that one,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“If they’re pushing for £25million with a year left to go on a player’s contract, they’d grasping. Look, between the £12-15million mark, yes, you’d probably have a better deal on your hands.
“He’s a player who’s got a year until he’s out of contract. Yes, he’s a key player for Blackburn but I think everybody sitting around the table would probably agree that £12-15million is probably about right.
“If he had three years left on his deal, then you might be pushing towards £18-20million. However, £25million is still a very strong price tag for a player like that.”
Armstrong enjoyed a successful season in front of goal at Blackburn, with 29 goals in 43 appearances.
All but one of his strikes came in the league, meaning half of his total of 58 Championship goals were scored this term.
In other news, West Ham are working on a “great signing” from Premier League giants.