West Ham could now sign £40m Gianluca Scamacca ally as star jets in – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to turn attention to the signing of Ivan Toney after agreeing a fee for Gianluca Scamacca.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old’s “natural ability” in front of goal would make him an ideal addition for the Hammers.
According to the London Evening Standard (25 July), Sassuolo striker Scamacca is set to arrive in London to finalise a £30.5million plus add-ons move to West Ham.
The Irons have reportedly not ruled out moving for two strikers this summer after struggling with striking depth last term.
As reported by i News (18 July), it would take an “astronomical” offer of close to £40million to prise Toney away from Brentford this summer – amid interest from Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester United.
Toney, who has three years remaining on his Bees contract, scored 14 goals in 37 games last season.
“That would be two good moves,” Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve cut it at the top level.
“Just because someone has done well at one club, doesn’t mean it will translate over to another. But I think Toney has got that natural ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
“That’s invaluable.
“He’s got a good spring, gets in the right areas, works hard. He’s got a horrible streak running through him – and you need that.
“He loves scoring goals no matter how they come.
“He’d be a really good signing at West Ham – and I can definitely see him there over Man United.”
Michail Antonio was West Ham’s only natural striker last term.
The Jamaica international struggled for consistency and fitness – scoring just two league goals after New Years’ Day.
In other news, Antonio tipped for West Ham switch by pundit after £35m+ report – ‘could you imagine?’