Marseille’s president Vincent Labrune would prefer Michy Batshuyai to move to West Ham this summer, according to reports.
The French side are feeling the financial effects of a poor domestic campaign and they are ready to cash in on their talented Belgian striker.
The forward would be available for £30.8 million and the Hammers are understood to be ahead of Tottenham when it comes to agreeing personal terms. Batshuayi is seeking first team football and this is something the Hammers can offer over Tottenham, who see Harry Kane as the main man to lead Spurs’ front line.
The news comes a matter of hours after it was confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette does not want a move to the Hammers.
“Lacazette’s agent confirmed last week to West Ham that he did not want to move to the Olympic Stadium, and Spurs were told the same” a source told HITC Sport.
Both Batshuayi and Lacazette have been top of the Hammers’ wish list this summer with the club willing to splash out over £30 million for Lacazette. Whether David Sullivan chooses to table a similar bid for Batshuayi remains to be seen but the club will be encouraged by Marseille’s openness to negotiation.
Batshuayi has scored 26 league goals in the last two seasons for Marseille and he is widely recognised as one of the most promising young strikers in European football.
It does look as if the Hammers have missed out on Alexandre Lacazette but early signs suggest they may have more success chasing Marseille’s 22-year-old hit man.
