West Ham have made an approach for Lyon defender Marcelo but have been put off by the Ligue 1 club’s high valuation, according to insider website Claret and Hugh.
The Hammers news site, which is an established source for reliable insider information, report that Lyon want in excess of £17.7million for the 31-year-old, with the Hammers looking to pay around £11million.
Claret and Hugh claim that the Hammers were shocked by the high price tag and have walked away from any potential deal for a player who would have little to no resale value at the end of his contract.
It is said that the move indicates Manuel Pellegrini’s desire to bring in another central defender this summer, with Winston Reid or Angelo Ogbonna possibly at risk.
Good move for West Ham United?
Yes.
Marcelo is a central defender at the peak of his powers, having completed 45 matches for Lyon last season, scoring five goals in the process.
The 6ft 3in colossus [Transfermarkt] would be a good addition for the Hammers, with his experience potentially combining with the raw talent of new signing Issa Diop at the heart of defence.
However, the price being quoted is too high, and the club are right to walk away from a deal at that price.
Forever West Ham rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like the Hammers have definitively turned their backs on any deal for Marcelo, with the club hoping to pay a huge £6million or more less than the asking price.
There are other quality centre-backs who could be bought for around £11million, and the club will no doubt have other targets in mind.
It could be that Lyon come back with a lowered asking price, but that is doubtful, with the Champions League club obviously keen to keep hold of the 31-year-old.
Forever West Ham rating: 1/10
