West Ham plotting to sign Vangelis Pavlidis amid ‘tough negotiation’ – sources
West Ham are plotting a move to sign Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Benfica are expected to demand big money for the striker, and negotiations could prove tough for the Hammers.
Julen Lopetegui oversaw a summer spending spree upon his arrival at the club, and therefore will now be wary of over-spending and risking financial breaches, further complicating a deal.
West Ham have been tracking the 25-year-old Greece international for a while now, having shown an interest during the summer before his £15.8million move to Benfica.
Now, amid growing concerns surrounding the fitness and form of Niclas Fullkrug, they have turned their attention back to the striker’s signature.
Sources say the Hammers initially aimed to bring in another forward on top of Fullkrug in the summer transfer window but were unable to land a deal.
Pavlidis’ two-goal display against England at Wembley is said to have caught the eye of previously interested sides including West Ham, and they are now expected to explore the possibility of a deal.
West Ham plotting January swoop to sign Vangelis Pavlidis
This comes after former Hammers scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that they are among a number of clubs keeping tabs on Pavlidis.
Fullkrug’s struggles at the beginning of his West Ham career mean Lopetegui’s side are still in need of a striker, and are continuing to monitor their options.
On top of those issues, the futures of both Michail Antonio and Danny Ings remain up in the air with both strikers likely to depart at the end of the season when their contracts expire.
Pavlidis is a name they know well given their summer interest before his move to Portugal, and that interest has now been reignited.
Since joining Benfica, the Greece international has found the net twice in nine appearances, but his record of 80 goals in 137 appearances for AZ inspired interest from across Europe.
Lopetegui has come under increasing pressure after winning just two of the Hammers’ opening seven games of the season so far.
This has partly been due to the difficulties his squad have faced after a summer overhaul. – but he is hopeful a new striker in January will see an upturn in form in the second half of the season.
In other news, West Ham are planning for a “worst-case scenario” after Lucas Paqueta news.
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