Reports that West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Lazio winger Felipe Anderson are inaccurate, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Hammers news website, which is a reliable source of insider information, report that claims of a £33million bid in the Italian press appear to be rumours created by agents for publicity.
Claret and Hugh claim that the Hammers do hold an interest in the 25-year-old, although Lazio’s valuation of £44million is posing problems.
It is said that Kia Joorabchian is involved in the deal, but insiders report that there has been no direct contact between the club and the super agent in a huge update on proceedings.
An insider is also quoted as saying: “The market has gone mad.”
Good move for West Ham?
In footballing terms, yes.
Anderson is a pacy, two-footed winger with a good eye for goal who would instantly lift the quality in the Hammers squad if the club brought him in this summer.
The Lazio star scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions in 2017/18, and those kind of numbers would be brilliant if he could reproduce that form for West Ham.
However, the kind of fees being thrown around here are ridiculous, and there is no way that the Hammers should be spending more than £35million here. If they do, then the market truly has gone mad.
Forever West Ham rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like there is interest in Anderson, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has spoken out about wanting to sign a big-name player at the London Stadium this summer.
The Brazilian would certainly fit that bill, and therefore a deal is definitely on the cards, but there looks to be a long way to go in negotiations.
The involvement of Joorabchian could cause also problems, with the super agent not exactly known for making things easy.
Forever West Ham rating: 3/10
