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Sun 2 July 2017 19:05, UK

By Matt Farr

West Ham have joined the race to sign Benfica attacker Raul Jimenez, according to a report.

Portuguese news outlet Abola claim that the 26-year-old goalscorer could be made available for transfer by his current employers this summer, and that the player is “expecting” an offer

Jimenez scored 11 goals and supplied three assists from 32 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese side last season, including one goal from his six appearances in their Champions League campaign.

The 54-time Mexico international has also impressed at the Confederations Cup this summer, and has attracted keen interest from West Ham, as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool ahead of the new season.

Both clubs are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements in the coming months, but a move for Jimenez would require a significant offer, given how much Benfica paid for him two years ago.

The Portuguese club had snapped up Jimenez from Atletico Madrid for an initial £8.5million in 2015, but the deal later rose to a total of £18.9million, making him the most-expensive Mexican player in history.

Benfica would be seeking to recoup a similar fee from his potential sale this summer.

West Ham are in desperate need for more firepower in front of goal after no player at the club hit double figures in terms of goals scored in all competitions last season.

Michail Antonio was the club’s top goalscorer with nine goals, despite missing the end of season run-in through injury.

Football Insider verdict

West Ham have been linked with almost every goalscorer under the sun already this summer, and they would have to do very well to end up empty-handed. However, while Jimenez has succeeded where the West Ham players failed last term by scoring more than 10 goals in the top-flight last term, the Hammers must be careful over a potential deal. Jimenez struggled with a number of injury problems over the course of last season, while Benfica’s potential financial demands suggest that he may not be the most worthwhile acquisition. He doesn’t have that 15 goal-plus prolific record, and that is the kind of marker they must set out for a new striker this summer. Liverpool should take the same caution.

In other West Ham transfer news, Don Hutchison has delivered his verdict as the club reportedly table a bid for this £35million-rated forward.

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